STOW, Ohio — Jeremy McIntire, vice president of Stow City Council, Iraq War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is launching a program to collect Valentines for troops deployed overseas.

“Receiving greetings from people back home is very important for our service members,” said Councilman McIntire. “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.”

Jeremy McIntire Jeremy McIntire, Vice President of Stow City Council, Iraq War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is launching a program to collect Valentines for troops deployed overseas.

Valentines are being collected at Stow City Hall from now until Jan. 20.

Those who wish to write letters should adhere to the following guidelines:

-Send a handwritten letter, note or handmade card. Soldiers feel extra special when they receive handmade, individually created Valentines. Envelopes are not required.

- Keep your cards to a size of 8 1/2" x 11" or under for ease in shipping and distribution.

- Cards cannot include glitter, food or candy, but there are still many ways to personalize a handmade card. Write a message on them and say, “Thank You”, tell them about yourself and wish them a Happy Valentine Day! Our troops are away from their loved ones and friends, so they really want to know that people back home appreciate them. Please feel free to share this with everyone you know!! We know our service men and women appreciate receiving the cards each year!

- Military personnel love to communicate with you! You can include your school, church or organization name, address and/or email contact on each card so recipients can write back. Cards from children/students must include a first name only. If you do not receive a reply from a Service Member, do not be discouraged. Remember: Our troops are busy!

- Photos of the sender, sender's family, church, or classroom participants can add a personal touch to your card.

- Keep your messages positive! Start with a salutation, such as "Dear Hero" or "Dear Brave One." All cards will be screened.

For residents

For residents who wish to make and send Valentine cards, they may be dropped off from now through Jan. 20, 2020 there will be a drop box located at the front desk in the atrium of:

Stow City Hall

3760 Darrow Rd, Stow, OH 44224

Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

