A long journey home for one Vermont soldier is almost over, thanks in large part to his kindergarten teacher, and an eight-year old girl he has never met.

It was the last day of school for kids at Hyde Park Elementary, and they had a project.

"Today was the day we were going to paint signs for Andrew," teacher Diane Marcoux-LeClair said.

Andrew Parker is a Hyde Park native, who was injured while serving in Afghanistan.  He's now a quadrapalegic, unable to return home until major construction is done to his home, making it handicap accessible.

Marcoux-LeClair led a group that raised more than $100,000 to help make his homecoming possible.

"When I heard he needed help, I knew it had to be us.  We needed to help him," she said.

One of the people who helped raise money is eight year old Paige Moulton.  She heard about Andrew's story, so she started taking donations at her school, where she raised more than $300.  She then took her message to local businesses, where she set out collection jars and made even more.  In all, she raised $1,432.79.

This Sunday, more than 100 volunteers will put finishing touches on a fully-equipped addition to the home, so Andrew can return home.  He's scheduled to arrive on June 27.

To donate to the Andrew J. Parker fund:visit http://www.helpbringandrewhome.org/

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