Ocean City Students Create Over 300 Holiday Cards for Veterans

Students at Ocean City High School and Ocean City Intermediate School crafted more than 300 holiday cards for veterans across South Jersey this year. The cards went to Veterans Haven South in Winslow, Complete Care at Court House in Cape May Court House, and Vineland Memorial Veterans Home.

The high school library built a card station. Construction paper, stationery, stickers, decals, markers, and colored pencils covered the tables.

At the intermediate school, students participated during their ELA classes. The cards thanked veterans for their service and included holiday wishes.

Peggy Moore, president of the VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary in Sea Isle City, collected the cards and brought them to the three locations.

"Many veterans are not very talkative, but they look at the cards, and you can see their faces light up," Moore said, per Patch. "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."

School Library Media Specialist Sara Maimone started the holiday card program a few years ago with support from Principal Wendy O'Neal. Biology teacher Mark Benedetto suggested sending the cards to Vineland Memorial Veterans Home. Both Maimone and Benedetto had grandfathers who served during World War II.

Benedetto hopes the 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," Benedetto said. "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."