Valentine's Day may be a day to shower someone special with love, but why not give cards to veterans, children in hospitals, adults in nursing homes or even police and firefighters?
Valentines for Veterans
While there are some veterans organizations that collect and send valentines to troops serving overseas, there are local opportunities, too. Look for the Veterans of Foreign Affairs (VFW), American Legion, and Vietnam Veterans of America offices closest to you as well as veterans hospitals. Make sure they accept these cards and have a way of distributing them.
The message on the card can be as simple as:
"Thank you for loving our country so much! Happy Valentine's Day."
Cards for Children in the Hospital
Imagine a child not being able to participate in the card exchange at school because he or she is in the hospital. Brighten their day by delivering a stack of cards to the hospital. Card opportunities are endless: the popular ones in the stores or handmade cards. Make sure the messages are positive. If students make their own, share with them some of the silly messages of the past.
Check ahead with the hospital about delivering the cards and if valentine's candy is allowed. A card and a treat is sure to brighten any child's day.
Valentines for the Elderly
Nursing home residents as well as shut-ins can also use a lift on Valentine's Day. Many of these adults do not even get visitors, so imagine their surprise at a basket of cards. If students are older and a little more creative, have them make origami hearts or flowers as an additional greeting.
Thank the Police and Firefighters
Some of the most overlooked individuals are the ones who protect and serve the community: police and firefighters. Just like the troops, these people put their lives on the line every day. Fire and police stations can be found in very every community and students enjoy making cards for the men and women who work there.
Resources for Valentine Cards
In addition to the cards that can be purchased in stores, there are plenty of resources available online to make them. A simple search for "printable valentine cards" will provide hundreds of options. If the vintage route is appealing, type in "vintage valentine cards" into the search engine and then select images. Some of these older types can be printed true to size right from the computer. Make sure to use card stock for better durability.
Valentine's Day is a fun day for kids as they open the cards from their classmates. It can be just as rewarding though for them to make cards for others who least suspect it. Whether it's for veterans, sick children, the elderly, police, firefighters, or any other group of people the kids decide on, the goal is to spread the love on Valentine's Day.
Doris Keeler - Doris is an 8th grade language arts teacher who specializes in teaching students the art of writing. Under her direction, the writing plan ...
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