February is National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Month. For the past 18 years, residents of Glendale Heights have donated heart-felt Valentines card greeting cards to both active and retired military personnel.
Store bought cards, handwritten letters, and red construction paper hearts are most welcome.
February 1 is the deadline to donate Valentine’s Day greeting cards for delivery by the village of Glendale Heights to residents of Illinois veteran’s hospitals.
Supported by Glendale Heights Village President Linda Jackson, the annual card collection reaps hundreds of donated Valentines. The event began after Gina Thorson, the village’s Public Relations Manager, read Ann Landers’ “Random Acts of Kindness” column.
Inspired to create a village-wide random act of kindness, Thorson asked preschoolers at the Sports Hub to create Valentine’s Day cards for Illinois veterans. From there, the project took on a life of its own.
Soon, students in all four Glenbard Township high schools, all middle schools, elementary schools, many religious education classes, Glendale Heights village employees, local residents, organizations, and businesses began donating Valentine’s Day messages to America’s wounded warriors.
Patients in Illinois Veteran Medical Centers as well as military personnel overseas will receive the Valentine’s Day cards. The village often receives photos and thank you cards as a result of this community-wide initiative.
This gift of love from village residents to Illinois veterans remains Thorson’s legacy.
To participate in the 2013 Valentine’s Day collection, mail or drop off unsealed cards or letters before February 1 at Glendale Heights Village Hall, c/o Nicole Lewis, 300 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights, 60. For more information, call 630.909.5327.
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