Henrico Citizen: Spanberger seeking ‘Valentines for Vets’

HENRICO CITIZEN

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-7th District) Thursday announced the launch of her second annual “Valentines for Vets” program to collect and distribute Valentine’s Day cards to Seventh District veterans.

Constituents are encouraged to participate in “Valentines for Vets” by dropping off or mailing cards to Spanberger’s Henrico County district office. A contactless bin will be placed outside of the location for those choosing to physically deliver them to the office. The deadline for submission is Thursday, Feb. 11.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Spanberger will deliver the submitted cards to area veterans and caregivers.

“Last year’s Valentines for Vets effort was an opportunity to thank veterans who have given so much to our communities and our country. This year, COVID-19 has brought new challenges to our Virginia veterans and those who care for them. This initiative is a small way to demonstrate our respect and appreciation toward our neighbors who answered the call to serve,” said Spanberger. “I hope Central Virginians who’d like to thank our servicemembers and their families will choose to send or drop off a handwritten card to our district office in the coming days. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, I’m looking forward to delivering these notes of gratitude to many of the men and women who chose to put on the uniform and keep our nation safe.”

Spanberger’s Henrico County district office is located at 4201 Dominion Blvd, Suite 110, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Last year, community members and local schoolchildren created handwritten messages for local veterans and sent them to Spanberger’s district offices as part of Valentines for Vets. In total, her offices received more than 1,900 valentines.

On Valentine’s Day 2020, Spanberger visited McGuire VA Medical Center and the Fredericksburg VA Clinic to deliver the messages and to thank area veterans and their families for their service.

Henrico County’s engAGE program also is collecting Valentine’s cards for seniors, which it hopes to distribute to each of the 8,000 or so seniors in the county’s long-term care facilities.