Glenbard seeking volunteers for Valentines for Vets

The four Glenbard District 87 high schools will host "Valentines for Vets" on Thursday, Feb. 1.

In this annual event, students come together to create cards and letters during simultaneous events in their cafeterias after school. Glenbard's Advocating Character Through Service (ACTS) Committee sponsors food, music and art supplies for students to take the time to thank hospitalized veterans and those serving in the military.

All students are encouraged to attend with their clubs, teams and friends.

Several elementary districts also will participate in Valentines for Vets.

Special thanks to the many student organizations that help organize this inspirational event and the Village of Glendale Heights for their leadership of this important service opportunity.

To donate art supplies, please drop off donations on or before Feb. 1 at the main office of any Glenbard high school.

To volunteer at "Valentines for Vets" events or donate funds, contact ACTS chairman Jen Corona at coronajaco@aol.com or Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at (630) 942-7668 or gilda_ross@glenbard.org.

This great event was the brain child of Gina Thorson, who was the public relations director in Glendale Heights. Years ago, Thorson read a newspaper story about our 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. Sadly, Thorson passed away a few years ago, but her legacy lives on in our students.