Valentines for Vets: Yumans send cards to VA center in Tucson

Valentine's Day is a great day to be together with loved ones. But for many wounded men and women receiving care at the Veterans Medical Center in Tucson, those loved ones may be far away.

A recent effort was made in Yuma to let these wounded warriors know somebody cares about them, especially on this most loving of holidays. A group of local citizens handmade hundreds of beautiful Valentine's Day cards that were delivered to the hospital just in time for the holiday.

The group was organized by the Yuma Art Center.

"Getting a handmade card is special because we put a lot into them, and we want to make the veterans feel special," said Anna Padilla, Yuma Art Center recreation program coordinator.

"When the veterans come back, they need to know somebody loves them. I think it is hard for them, especially if they are injured, so sending them a card to let them know how important they are to us is just a little something we can do for them."

Padilla said valentine cards are simple yet powerful.

"Valentine's is very important and is very special because it is a time to give love. Maybe the veterans are lonely and in pain, and the hospital is not the best place to spend Valentine's Day, which is why we are going to send a few hundred cards. They are all handmade because we want the veterans to know we actually took time out of our busy schedules to put something together for them, which makes it more special."

Local resident Bonnie Schmidt personally made 250 cards to be given to the veterans in the Tucson hospital.

"It is important to keep up their morale, and I think it is wonderful they were over there serving their country. I think it is great for people to get out and make cards for the veterans, and I am thankful for everything they have done, and I am grateful to be able to do it."

Schmidt said she hopes her cards bring a little ray of sunshine into the world of the wounded veterans.

"I think the veterans will be happy to see the cards, and if the cards bring only one smile, it will be worthwhile to send it to them."

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Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.