Special Handmade Cards Created for Veterans at Buffalo VA Medical Center
Erie County, NY- Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns helped lead his annual Valentines for Veterans project with elementary students at Buffalo Public Schools. Kearns worked with the teachers and Principals to coordinate this event where students crafted hundreds handmade Valentine’s Day cards for veterans receiving care at the VA Western New York Healthcare System with genuine notes of love and thanks for their service.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year and a great community service project for students,” stated Kearns. “It is an opportunity for them to learn why veterans, both past and present, should be honored for protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day in the Unites State of America and it brings such joy to the veterans.”
Kearns collected the cards personally and brought them to the Buffalo VA Medical Center on Valentine’s Day to hand-deliver to veterans currently hospitalized or simply receiving out-patient care services. One student’s card read, “Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you. I hope you love me back.”
“I want to thank Mrs. Toffolo’s second grade class from Public School #54- Dr. George E. Blackman School of Excellence as well as Ms. Valenti’s art classes at Public School #17-Early Childhood Center for lending their artistic talents,” said County Clerk Kearns. “I truly appreciate the time and effort taken to coordinate this heartfelt effort in making ‘Valentines for Veterans’ a huge success. By receiving a handmade Valentine’s Day greeting from a student while at the hospital truly meant the world to our veterans.”
