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Community asked to create Valentines for veterans

The Oskaloosa Herald - 1/26/2018

Jan. 23--OSKALOOSA -- A Valentine's Day memento will be sent to active duty service people from members of the community.

Penn Central Mall Manager Mike Gipple said people of all ages are invited to visit Penn Central Mall on Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 4 -- 7 p.m. to create and decorate the cards. The American Legion will then distribute the cards to active duty servicemen and women as well as to the Veterans' Home in Marshalltown.

This will be the second year Valentines for Veterans, Gipple said. Last year, approximately 200 valentines were sent.

"It's a chance for our community to reach out and show another sign of appreciation for our loved ones that are serving and putting themselves in harm's way," he said. "We couldn't do this without the great sponsorships that we have, the Oskaloosa Herald, the American Legion and Auxiliary and Penn Central Mall."

In addition to the community-made cards, Gipple said around 250 cards will be sent from University of Northern Iowa students.

"A fraternity and sorority at UNI decided to participate. And they're going to send us cards that we can ship off to our duty military people," he said. "So it's fun when these deals kind of start to grow a little bit; a very organic growth, but cool to see when they grow."

All ages should participate in the activity, Gipple said.

"It doesn't matter if you're 100 or 2. It doesn't matter," he said. "Because for our men and women in service, getting this card means a ton to them."

Herald Staff Writer Angie Holland can be reached at aholland@oskyherald.com and followed on Twitter @OskyAngie.

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(c)2018 The Oskaloosa Herald (Oskaloosa, Iowa)

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