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Valentines with Veterans proves heart-warming
YOUNGSTOWN
Robert Clark, a World War II Marine Corps veteran, couldn’t stop smiling as he helped a dozen preschool students create valentines.
“I love it. I’ve been here a couple of times, and it’s just like home,” said Clark, who visited Zion Christian School in Cornersburg on Thursday.
This is the third year for Valentines with Vets in which residents of Shepherd of the Valley in Poland who are veterans, such as Clark, travel to the school to make valentines for active-duty military personnel.
Clark watched as 3-year-old Jax Alexander peeled tiny heart-shaped stickers and pressed them to a piece of construction paper.
“It’s a very nice thing, and it will bring tears to [soldiers’] eyes,” Clark said.
Kelly Stansloski, associate director at Shepherd of the Valley, said the residents look forward to the annual event.
“They just love the kids and doing inter-generational things,” she said.
The school’s administrator said the children get just as much enjoyment from the visit.
“It’s nice for them to hear their stories and learn how nice it is to receive a card like that,” said Geniene Hankey.
At a second table in the classroom, WWII Navy veteran Vito Marafiote drew a valentine, enjoying the occasional interruptions from his companions.
“Vito! Vito! Do you like this one?” inquired 4-year-old Isabella Herner.
“Oh, that’s beautiful,” Marafiote replied.
Isabella and 4-year-old Kaylyn Skowron sat beside Marafiote, sometimes asking for his help, sometimes displaying their work. Both girls knew where their valentines were going.
“We’re making a valentine for the soldiers,” Isabella said.
Like Clark, Marafiote said the activity reminds him of home.
“My great-niece has blue eyes just like hers,” he said, motioning Kaylyn.
Marafiote, a retired Youngstown firefighter, said he likes volunteering for the valentine project.
“It’s very relaxing and enjoyable,” Marafiote said.