The Chicago Ridge Public Library has a unique group of sweethearts it plans to recognize with cards on Valentine’s Day.
Friends of the Chicago Ridge Public Library, which includes youngsters, recently gathered to make 50 Valentines for local soldiers at Edward Hines Jr., Veterans Administration Hospital in Hines; Lexington Center in Chicago Ridge; and Chicago Ridge Nursing & Rehab Assisted Living Facility in Chicago Ridge.
“It’s really wonderful to get the neighborhood together to make Valentines with our friends to send out to the veterans,” said Mary Powers, president of the Friends of the Chicago Ridge Public Library.
Mary Brown, treasurer of Friends of the Library, had a similar view.
“Our servicemen, servicewomen and veterans do and have done so much for us,” Brown said. “It’s really nice to be able to give something back.”
This is the first year the group made cards for troops. It plans to make the project an annual event.
“We came up with the idea as a whole and voted on the project at the January meeting of the Friends of the Library,” Powers said.
The Chicago Ridge Public Library staff was quick to help, particularly Youth Services Coordinator Irene Ciciora and Youth Services Librarian Paula Johnson.
For example, Johnson assisted with the event at the library at 10400 Oxford Avenue in Chicago Ridge, by providing crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper, stickers and other items.
“This is such a wonderful event and we are so happy to be able to help out in any way,” Johnson said.
Angelique Clark, 12, a volunteer from Chicago Ridge, said: “I want [the soldiers] to know that I am thinking about them and constantly praying for them.”
Layla Dudley, 6, of Chicago Ridge, said she was involved in the project because she looked up to her sister, T’Lisa Dudley, 22, who is the U.S. Navy.
“She is on a huge ship with so many people right now,” Dudley said. “It’s really exciting. I want to make Valentine’s cards for her and for everyone just like her.”
More Top Picks Adhd In Girls Signs That Get Missed For Years
Kristofer Graham, 13, of Chicago Ridge, said: “I love to be creative and to share my creativity with others. This project is a way for me to share my creative talents with some very special people. It’s nice to be able to make something for someone else.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.