Ocean City Students Spread Holiday Cheer To Veterans

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Veterans throughout South Jersey got some extra holiday cheer thanks to Ocean City students.

It's become an annual tradition in the Ocean City School District. The Ocean City High School library has a holiday card station stocked with colorful construction paper, decorative holiday stationery, festive stickers and decals, markers, colored pencils and more. Teachers bring their classes to the library so students can design cards. Other students visit the card station during their study hall.

Ocean City Intermediate School students also take part in the holiday act of kindness. This year, OCIS students made cards for veterans during their ELA classes.

Together, the OCIS and OCHS students made more than 300 cards to thank veterans for their service and wish them a happy holiday.

These cards were then picked up by Peggy Moore, president of Auxiliary to VFW Post 1963 in Sea Isle. Moore delivered them to veterans at Veterans Haven South in Winslow, Complete Care at Court House in Cape May Court House, and Vineland Memorial Veterans Home.

"Many veterans are not very talkative, but they look at the cards and you can see their faces light up,” Moore said. “They get smiles and their eyes shine with appreciation for the heart that goes into the cards. It warms my heart just to see this."

OCHS School Library Media Specialist Sara Maimone established the holiday card program a few years ago with the support of Principal Dr. Wendy O’Neal. OCHS biology teacher Mark Benedetto suggested delivering the cards to the Vineland Memorial Veterans Home. Both Maimone and Benedetto had grandfathers who served during World War II.

“This annual activity that Mark and I host provides students with a valuable lesson in empathy, creativity, and the importance of community service,” said Maimone. “It teaches them to appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans, and shows veterans the respect and support they deserve for their dedicated service to our country.”

Benedetto hopes the special handmade cards bring smiles to veterans’ faces, especially for those who might be struggling this season.

“My grandfathers were both World War II veterans, and I have always been thankful for veterans of all wars and their service,” said Benedetto. “The holiday season is my favorite time of the year, and a card can go a long way into making someone smile, and to know that someone appreciates their service.”

Ocean City School District also acknowledges veterans during Ocean City Primary School’s annual “Pastries with Patriots” Veterans Day event. Students and staff celebrate and show their gratitude to veterans in their families while sharing a sweet treat.

“Not every student has a family member who is a veteran. The card-making project is a way to personally connect students with veterans in their community,” said Superintendent Dr. Christian Angelillo. “We are always looking for opportunities to honor those who serve and want to instill students with respect for veterans. Together, we can make every season brighter for our veterans.”