MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va (WTRF) - Valentine’s Day is filled with love, lots of chocolate and of course Valentines.
On Wednesday, local nursing home residents enjoyed handmade valentines all thanks to the hard work of small hands with big hearts.
This year, students at Central McMechen and Glen Dale Elementary spent countless hours making handmade Valentines for residents at seven local nursing homes including Moundsville Healthcare, Cameron, Shadyside, Trustwell Living at Westwood Place, Good Shepherd, Welty and Peterson.
Nicole McCulley, the new librarian for the two schools, says her inspiration came from an experience she remembers from when her own grandfather was a nursing home resident.
“Years ago, my grandfather was in a nursing home during the holidays and a grade school came and sang Christmas carols to him. And it really changed his whole process and everything behind his stay there.”
Nicole McCulley | Librarian, Central McMechen & Glen Dale Elementary
McCulley says her initial goal was 620 cards, enough to give two cards to each resident at four facilities.
Her students took the project to the next level and doubled her goal, meaning more nursing homes could be included.
“We were able to send out over 1400 cards, and we reached 715 residents in the Ohio Valley.”
Nicole McCulley | Librarian, Central McMechen & Glen Dale Elementary
Each resident got not just one, but two valentines, made with love and happiness.
This small act of kindness took some big dedication from these elementary students.
Dexter and Brayden from Central McMechen Elementary say they made over 60 valentines each and shared their inspiration.
“I’ve always wanted to help the nursing homes, but I never knew how to. So then when we actually did this, I just wanted to put as many smiles on people's faces as I could.”
Dexter Choi | 4th Grade, Central McMechen
“I just want everyone to be happy that's in the nursing homes and see that we did so many cards.”
Brayden Poling | 4th Grade, Central McMechen Elementary
The Weekley sisters from Glen Dale Elementary say each of their cards was personal, with unique handwritten messages and designs.
“There were some that had puppies, unicorns, dinosaurs, some that had really hard designs, and then there were like ones that were just colored already, and we just had to write sweet notes.”
Shiloh Weekley | 5th Grade, Glen Dale Elementary
“I hope they love it. And that it puts a smile on their face.”
Paisley Weekley | 1st Grade, Glen Dale Elementary
The kids at Central McMechen and Glen Dale showcased an important life lesson these past few weeks we all could learn from. You do not have to be rich, brilliant or perfect to make a difference in someone’s life – you just need to care.