Mundelein students make Valentine's cards for Spanish-speaking vets

Mundelein High School Spanish students cut out hearts and wrote sincere messages Wednesday for Valentine's Day cards they're sending to Spanish-speaking military veterans.

The project offered a way for students to combine community service with vocabulary lessons.

Writing the cards allowed students to use unfamiliar Valentine's Day terms while creating a presentational writing piece for a specific audience.

"Writing to real Spanish speakers motivates students to give their best efforts, and it's a great way to give back to our community and our country's soldiers," Spanish teacher Caroline Gully said in a news release.

The classes are working with Midwest Veterans Closet, which asked for the cards for the veterans they serve. The not-for-profit charity, which has a drop-in center in North Chicago, provides veterans with free clothing, personal items and household items.

"I really enjoy it because we are giving back to the community in some aspects and we are showing our soldiers that we acknowledge what they are doing," senior Nikki Bautista said as she finished decorating a card.