It was a simple care package, but for Army 1st Lt. Matthew Nicholl’s platoon in Baghdad, it was a big lift.

Tucked inside the package was a football autographed by the Firebird team.

“My guys really got a kick out of all the (Free State) guys signing it,” said Nicholl, who is visiting Lawrence.

Nicholl’s sister, Joanna Leach, a Free State senior, and her English teacher, Phyllis Copt, came up with the idea last fall, and about 90 seniors collected and sent the package that included candy, socks, razors and other items in December. This week, Nicholl offered his thanks to teachers and students and shared photos of the platoon with the football.

Nicholl is the son of Ronald and Peggy Nicholl of Lawrence and Laura and David Owen of Olathe. He is a 2005 Kansas University graduate and a 2000 graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park.

“It’s nice to know that little things make a difference in their lives over there,” Free State football coach Bob Lisher said.

Deployed in May 2007, Nicholl and his platoon provided security and support to the government and neighborhood in Baghdad’s Mansour district. He returns to Iraq on Monday and is scheduled to come home in July.

He said the care package was welcomed.

“Just the fact that someone thought of them,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing.”