The event was part of Assemblyman David Buchwald's new program "Valentines for Vets." Across the county, students from 15 schools are delivering about 2,000 Valentine's Day cards to veterans to show their appreciation for their service to our country.
"Valentine's Day is a day of love, so what better time to do this than this time of year?" said Joe Mazzullo, commander of the Harrison American Legion Post. "I am very, very impressed and very, very humbled by how many did show up. I like the idea of children getting to know what veterans are all about."
"We're so thrilled that so many members of the community, both young and old, have realized how important it is to say "Thank you" to veterans," Buchwald said. "It shows that Valentine's Day is an occasion to express gratitude to everyone who makes this community to special."
Ten students from Parsons' Green Key Club handed about 300 valentines to veterans from both the Harrison American Legion and the Harrison Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Green Key Club is coordinated by teachers Emily Almeida and Chris Gallagher, and performs many charitable acts in the community throughout the year, including collecting clothes and blankets, holding bake sales for non-profits and raising money for soup kitchens and the Harrison Food Pantry.
"They loved this. They spent a lot of time and effort on these cards. They are very dedicated students," said Almeida.
"Green Key is all about helping our community," said Hannah Karkout, a fifth-grade student at Parsons. "We enjoy helping the Valentines for Veterans project, and it has become a success."
Another Valentines for Vets event planned for Friday at 11 a.m. at the Harrison Senior Center was postponed because of inclement weather.
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