by Pamela A. Moore,
Harvey C. Noone
Legion Post #954 Family
Three years ago, Harvey C. Noone Post #954 Legion Family began collecting and delivering Valentines to veterans at the Batavia VA. Because of the pandemic, visitors have not been allowed for almost a year. Given this isolation, the Post Family decided to increase the number of Valentines and corresponding smiles the cards would bring to these heroes.
The group partnered with Lynn Brown, Director of Churchville’s Newman Riga Library, who agreed to have the library serve as the main collection point. The Post Family also reached out through their website and social media to spread the word about their project. Enthusiasm grew, and soon the box at the library was overflowing with store-bought and handmade Valentines from local children, families, individuals, and organizations. Members of 4-H Clubs of Genesee County joined the effort, and cards even arrived from as far away as Florida. Many included a note of thanks to the veterans.
The pictures tell the story of how helping these veterans weather the isolation caused by the pandemic brought fun, enjoyment, and smiles to those who took the time to cheer up others.
Thanks to the community’s support, the previous record was exceeded, and five large shopping bags, filled with 1,236 Valentine’s Day cards, were delivered to the Batavia VA. Cindy Baker, Volunteer Services Specialist, in a note of thanks, included a story about the impact of this project. She reported that as she wheeled the cart from the reception area to her office, one curious veteran asked her what the bags contained. She said she wished the participants could have seen the smile on his face as she told him. And she said there would be many, many more smiles as the Valentines are delivered.
Photos by Briana Lynch, Carrie Moriarty. and Danielle Denton
Photo by Briana Lynch
