For the 15th year, the village of Glendale Heights is busy writing and sending thousands of Valentine’s Day greetings for hospitalized Illinois veterans.
The project blossomed after Gina Thorson, Public Relations Manager for the Village of Glendale Heights, read an inspiring Ann Lander’s column. From there, Thorson requested participation from:
- village employees,
- children in the Glendale Heights Recreation Preschool and After School Enrichment Programs,
- persons in the Glendale Heights Senior Center program,
- students in four Glenbard High Schools in District 87, Queen Bee School District 16,
- Marquardt School District 15, and St. Matthew’s School,
- Glendale Heights Chamber of Commerce,
- Glendale Height Junior Women’s Club,
- local churches,
- village residents.
“The cards celebrate National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Month,” said Peg Mannion of Glenbard School District 87. “For the past five years, thousands of students have stayed after school to create the Valentines for veterans.”
Heart-shaped construction paper Valentines as well as store bought cards are delivered to veterans at:
- Hines VA Hospital in Maywood,
- VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville,
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago,
- Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago,
- Marion VA Medical Center in Marion,
- Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs Homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy.
“For the first time, Gina will miss out on collecting the cards,” said Janie LaGoia of the Village of Glendale Heights. “She’s in the hospital. In her honor, the Village is continuing to collect Valentines for Veterans.”
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