“Legislator Piccirillo collects over 6,000 Valentine’s Day cards from community members and groups for Long Island Veterans”
This Valentines season was a special time in the 8th Legislative District. The community came together to hand make and donate over 6,000 Valentine’s Day cards addressed to veterans, active duty military personnel and service dogs. The cards were gathered from throughout the 8th Legislative District. Participants included, Girl Scout troops, Daisy troops, Cub scouts, community groups, local businesses, preschools, foundations, local residents, the Connetquot School District, Sachem School District, Sayville School District, and Bayport- Blue Point School District. There were many different types of cards that were donated to our office; this included handmade cards from the youth in our community, graphic designed cards, handwritten letters, handmade cards from community members and store bought cards. “It was amazing to see how each community group contributed to this cause” said Legislator Piccirillo.
The Legislative office worked hard to ensure that all of the Valentine’s Day Cards were sent to Veterans prior to or on Valentine’s Day. Community members nominated 46 local veterans to receive Valentine’s Day care packages that included a note from Legislator Piccirillo and assorted Valentine’s Day cards. Among those nominated were three World War II Veterans. “I was especially happy to send Valentine’s Day Cards to our greatest generation, there are not enough Valentine’s Day cards in the world to say thank you for what they have done; but I know they appreciated the kind gesture” added the Legislator. Cards in care packages were also sent and hand delivered to local Veterans groups and centers which included American Legions, AMVETS posts, Stony Brook Veterans Homes; and various local veterans’ organizations.
The Legislator and his Chief of Staff also visited the Northport V.A. medical center and nursing home where they distributed hundreds of cards to veterans on Valentine’s Day. “It was really special to be able to give our hero’s Valentine’s Day cards on Valentine’s Day” said Legislator Piccirillo. “The Veterans were so thankful and adored the handmade cards, it mean so much to see the smiles these cards brought to their faces” added Legislator Piccirillo.
The 8th Legislative District office will be participating in many programs geared towards Veterans throughout the year. “As a member of the Suffolk County Veterans committee, I will make it my mission to continue to pay special attention to veterans and veteran’s needs” Legislator Piccirillo said. If you are interested in finding out more information about this program or would like to partner with the 8th Legislative District office on future events like this one please contact 631-854-9611 or Anthony.Piccirillo@suffolkcountyny.gov.