STOW, Ohio — The holidays can be a tough time for troops who are away from their families and loved ones.
With thousands more called on for deployment, Jeremy McIntire, Vice President to Stow City Council, is keeping them in mind.
McIntire, an Iraq War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is collecting Valentine's Day cards for troops deployed overseas. McIntire said in a news release issued Tuesday that recent deployments have reminded him and his wife, Claire, of their own experiences during his deployment.
“Receiving greetings from people back home is very important for our service members,” McIntire said in the news release. “Troops can often find themselves going days, even weeks without hearing from a loved one. There is no better feeling than coming back from a mission and finding that you received mail.”
Stow City Hall will collect the Valentines through Jan. 20. City Hall is open 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Guidelines are as follows:
- Send handwritten letters, notes or cards, as they feel extra special.
- Envelopes are not required.
- Keep cards to a size of 8 1/2 x 11 or smaller.
- Cards cannot include glitter, candy or food.
- Keep your message positive -- say thank you, introduce yourself and wish them a happy Valentine's Day.
- Include your contact information so that military personnel can write back. Cards from children and students should be first-name only.
- Photos from the sender can add a nice personal touch.
- Do not put individual Valentines in sealed envelopes. Bundle cards and drop them off in a single, large envelope or box.
Jeremy and Claire McIntire can also pick up your Valentines. Schedule a pick-up by calling 330-618-7586 or emailing claireamcintire@gmail.com.
McIntire will also host a Valentine-making session Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stow Safety Center, located at 3800 Darrow Road.
All cards will be screened before send-off.
