Friday, December 23, 2011
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Rachel Hoxworth (left), Dee Valentini, and Viola Mackey finished a large stack of holiday cards to soldiers between them on Dec. 10.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Poland Shepherd of the Valley resident Louise Joachim (left) felt the joy of sharing well wishes to soldiers in holiday cards on Dec. 10.
By SARAH FOOR
Active duty soldiers who must spend time away from their families during the holidays miss many of their favorite traditions. To bring one holiday tradition to these brave men and women, Shepherd of the Valley Poland residents and staff gathered on Dec. 10 to decorate holiday cards to send to soldiers.
Early that Saturday, residents gathered in the facility’s activity room with large stacks of green and red cards in front of them.
Activity assistant Tessa Martin urged the group to make their own choices during the process.
“The insides of the cards are blank, so you can write messages, color or draw and really use your imagination. Do as many cards as you would like — I guarantee the soldiers will appreciate each and every word you send their way,” Martin said.
Resident Dee Valentini wrote the same message in a pile of her cards, telling soldiers that she hopes their Christmas present is a safe trip home soon.
Louise Joachim simply added a hello from Poland, Ohio, and a heartfelt thank-you for the sacrifices the soldiers have made.
Martin’s son, Alec, joined the group to make his own collection of cards. He showed his artistic talents with a drawing of an American flag and a cross sitting atop a green hill.
Martin thanked the residents for donating some of their time.
“It seems small, but you’re making a big difference for these soldiers. Sometimes a simple gesture really means a lot,” she said.