Sending Love To Veterans with Light Up Network

There is nothing more heartwarming and inspiring than to show gratitude to those who have aided us. Recently, high school students at the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts were able to do just that by creating handmade cards for the veterans at the Debakey Veterans Hospital.  

The card-making project was done through Light Up Network, a youth-led community project that aims to share the joy of art with the senior community, foster intergenerational connections, and prevent elderly isolation. To learn more about Light Up Network, visit lightupnetwork.com and read this Buzz Kidz story. 

From left: Lucas Tirado, Alba Warren Jiminez, James Liu, Kanta Osako, Gabriel Watts, Matthew Jeong

To thank the veterans, Light Up Network’s HSPVA students gathered to craft handmade letters and cards. From sweet messages such as “You are a hero” to silly puns like “I a-peach-iate you!”, students used their art and words to send a heartfelt message for the veterans who served our country. 

“We made the cards with the hopes of putting a smile on the veterans faces, since it’s the least they deserve,” said Hannah Howarth, a youth member. 

From left: Lila Mankad, Kate-Yeonjae Jeong, and Jasmine Lin.

“I hope that my letters of appreciation brighten a veteran’s day,” added Matthew Jeong, another youth member of Light Up Network.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Debakey Veterans Hospital has been on lockdown, which has severely cut down approved outsider visits. Despite the physical separation, the cards served as a way for students to share their love for art and gratitude for the veterans.

“The veterans were very pleased with their cards,” Ms. Sheryl Corbit of the Debakey VA shared. “Thank you so much!”

From the bottom of our hearts, veterans, thank you very much for your service! We are grateful for all that you do.