Tots prepare cards for troops overseas

By KATIE SEMINARA

Area preschoolers created valentines to send pieces of their hearts and homes to troops overseas.

Four-year old Alicia Hilbert is a bit young for cupid’s arrows, but that didn’t stop her from making heart-studded valentines.

“We’re making cards for Balentine’s Day,” Alicia said on Wednesday.

Alicia and about 30 other preschoolers at Zion Lutheran Church, Canfield Road, Youngstown, were immersed in reds, pinks and purples while creating Valentine’s Day cards for troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The project was sponsored by Shepherd of the Valley, where many veterans make their home.

“It’s our way to give back to troops, while involving the kids,” said Kate Davis, Shepherd of the Valley area marketing director.

“I like making cards for everyone,” said Myra Garzanich, 5, who was sitting across from Alicia.

The two were gluing multiple hearts onto their construction paper cards, while Alicia showed off her drawing of a house that was surrounded by hearts, clouds and sunshine.

“This should make the guys smile,” said preschool aid, Pam Raeburn.

Raeburn’s son, Sgt. Jonathan Raeburn, served for 12 years, and she said receiving special mail makes the soldiers feel good.

“They’re going to love that it’s very nice,” Raeburn said while helping the students.

The kids also received help from WWII veteran Jim Gruber of Lisbon, and National Guardsmen Specialist Paul Hageman, 23, of North Jackson, and Sgt. Chris Dawson, 25, of Youngstown.

Hageman and Dawson came home in December after serving a nine-month stint overseas.

“I know how nice it is to get cards over there, so I’m sure [the troops] will love it,” said Hageman.

It took a couple of months for Hageman to get mail when he was overseas, but he recalled getting a Thanksgiving card with a “turkey hand drawing,” he said.

Hageman was helping Nolan Ballard, 4, with his drawing of three colorful suns and flowers.

“Can you put your name on it?” Hageman said.

“It’s right here under the hearts,” Nolan replied.

“He worked on that thing vigorously for a long time,” Dawson said of Nolan’s card.

Dawson and Hageman also made a valentine to give to the kids as a thank you.

“I think we should do this more often for soldiers,” said Rachel Gonatas, preschool administrator.

“They are a great authority to these kids and this is something they’ll never forget,” she said.

The card-making experience was a way to give back to the community and will make the men and women serving abroad very happy, Dawson said.

“[Getting a card] here would make your day,” he said. “There it’d make your month.”