Dingell Hosts 'Valentines For Veterans' Drive

DEARBORN, MI — As Valentine’s Day draws closer, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) is asking local students to join her in giving “Valentines for Veterans.” The project has locals make handmade valentine cards for veterans in the area who may be alone on the special day, now in its sixth year for Dingell. Since 2015, students across the region created hundreds of cards to show veterans how much they are loved and appreciated.

“A gesture as small as a handmade card can mean so much to the men and women who served our country,” said Dingell. “For Valentine’s Day, I invite all students to join us in showing our veterans how much we appreciate their service and sacrifices. Our Veterans have done so much to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy every day.”

The cards will be delivered on Valentine’s Day by Dingell to both the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center and the Ann Arbor VA.

Those who wish to participate may drop off artwork at Dingell’s Michigan offices anytime between now and Wednesday, Feb. 12, or call the Dearborn office at 313-278-2936 to arrange for pickup.

Here are the drop off locations:

Dearborn Office

• 19855 West Outer Drive
• Suite 103-E
• Dearborn, MI 48124

Ypsilanti Office

• 301 West Michigan Avenue
• Suite 400
• Ypsilanti, MI 48197

After “Valentines for Veterans” received such an overwhelming response from veterans, schools and the community, in 2015 Dingell launched the year-round “Sending Smiles to Vets” program, which engages young people on an ongoing basis to create cards and artwork for veterans. The program celebrates various seasons and holidays, including Independence Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.