Community Corner

Students And Seniors Make Valentines For Veterans At Road Home

One heart and three blocks apart, St. Catejan student council members and Smith Village residents collaborate on "Valentines For Vets."

Lorraine Swanson, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
https://test.patch.com/img/cdn20/users/44719/20210210/125035/styles/patch_image/public/sv-20210208-henry-and-keame___10003916469.jpg
Marge Henry (on piano) with Alice Keame rehearse a sing-along for the fifth annual Valentine’s for Vets program. (Marc Monaghan/Sheila King Marketing & Public Relations)
https://test.patch.com/img/cdn20/users/44719/20210210/125035/styles/patch_image/public/sv-20210208-oshea-and-mick-omalley___10004058507.jpg
19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea admires the artwork of Mick O’Malley from the St. Cajetan School Student Council. (Marc Monaghan/Sheila King Marketing & Public Relations)

CHICAGO, IL — Three blocks apart but with one heart, Smith Village residents and St. Cajetan School students made valentines for 33 veterans who benefit from mental health services at the Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center.

This year’s multigenerational “Valentines for Vets” was initiated by Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) withh St. Cajetan School Student Council members. The Valentine’s Day gifts for veterans include 8x8 canvases on which St. Cajetan students circumscribed a message of encouragement and thanks for each of the 33 veterans; decorated gift bags filled with delicious treats; and a video of Smith Village residents recorded to lead a long distance sing-along with veterans.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Beverly-MtGreenwood