Glenbard students create Valentines for Vets

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and one of the sweetest things you can do to celebrate the day is to be a part of Valentines for Vets at Glenbard high schools Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Valentines for Vets is an annual event in which students come together to create cards and letters to thank hospitalized veterans and those serving in the military.

On Wednesday, students will gather in their school cafeterias to create the cards. All students are encouraged to attend, whether alone or with their clubs, teams and friends.

Glenbard's Advocating Character Through Service Committee sponsors pizza, music and art supplies. Many of Glenbard's feeder elementary districts also participate in Valentines for Vets in their schools.

Community members can help. To donate art supplies or snacks, drop off donations on or before Wednesday at the main office of any Glenbard high school.

To volunteer at Valentines for Vets, donate money or join the ACTS committee, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at (630) 942-7668 or gilda_ross@glenbard.org.

Valentines for Vets was the brain child of Gina Thorson, who was the public relations director in Glendale Heights. Years ago, Thorson read a newspaper story about veterans in hospitals or long-term care facilities rarely receiving mail.

She decided to do something about it - send them Valentines. Her idea took on a whole new life when students at Glenbard's four high schools picked up the idea and ran with it. Thorson died a few years ago, but her legacy lives on in Glenbard students.