Elementary students from Buffalo Public and Lancaster Central School districts created Valentine’s Day cards as a thank you to local veterans.  

Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns then delivered the cards during a Western New York Heroes food distribution event.

He says getting the cards was truly special for these veterans, adding this project teaches students what it means to be a veteran and the value of their service to our country.

"With many COVID-19 restrictions in place, many, including our veterans, suffer from social isolation, so receiving a handmade Valentine’s Day greeting from a student was truly special for these veterans," stated Kearns. "This is also a great community service project for students to learn what it means to be a veteran and why veterans, both past and present, should be honored for protecting the freedoms we enjoy in this country."

In past years, this program would be coordinated with an Erie County Clerk’s “Thank-A-Vet” Discount Card Program event where students would be invited to present the handmade cards to the veterans in attendance.

"I want to thank Principal Greg Johnson, the teachers and students at Buffalo Public School #54- George Blackman School of Excellence as well as Mrs. Darnley’s 3^rd grade class from John A. Sciole Elementary School in the Lancaster Central School District," said Kearns. "I truly appreciate the time and effort taken to coordinate this heartfelt effort in making this year’s ‘Valentines for Veterans’ meaningful to our military heroes."