Local veterans received special valentine greetings created by students 

Erie County, NY- Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns helped lead an annual Valentines for Veterans project with elementary students at Buffalo Public and Lancaster Central School Districts. Kearns worked with the teachers and principals to coordinate this event where students crafted hundreds of handmade Valentine’s Day cards with genuine notes of thanks and valentine wishes for area veterans.

Kearns collected and delivered these cards personally, just in time for Valentine’s Day, to veterans that attended WNY Heroes’ Food Distribution event for veterans and their families affected by food insecurities.

“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. Unfortunately, as COVID-19 restrictions continue, events like that are still not occurring. However, County Clerk Kearns wanted to ensure this long-standing tradition of Valentines for Vets continued to show appreciation to the veteran community.

“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 3rd 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.”

Kearns also wants the veteran community to know if they need help securing food, or assistance with housing, employment, or immediate financial aid, or simply want to volunteer, contact WNY Heroes. Inc. at wnyheroes.org or call 716-630-5023.

The “Thank-A-Vet” Discount Card Program is a way to recognize the veterans in our community for their service and sacrifice and available to any Erie County veteran who files their ORIGINAL military discharge papers with the County Clerk's Office. Eligible veterans will receive a photo I.D. card identifying them as an honorably discharged veteran, which can be used towards discounts at over 1,500 participating businesses throughout Erie County. To learn more, visit erie.gov/clerk/thankavet.