Valentine’s Day love across America

VESTAL, N.Y. (WBNG) -- Mrs. Becky Gorman’s kindergarten class at Clayton Avenue Elementary is hoping to collect Valentine’s cards from all 50 states.

So far, the class has received valentines from 47 states and 4 cards from outside the United States. Each morning brings discoveries as the students open envelopes and learn about the places they came from.

“We got valentines from 47 states, and we colored them in on our map,” one of the students said.

This project provides a unique way to learn as each Valentine is a geography lesson. After opening each card, the class works together to locate the state on their map. But the learning doesn’t stop there.

One from Florida arrived with beautiful seashells tucked inside, bringing a touch of the sunny coast right into the classroom. Another card from Nebraska came with corn, reminding the students of the vast agricultural heartland.

“When a card from Alaska mentioned that moose roam freely on their playground, the kindergarteners were amazed,” Mrs. Gorman shared. “They immediately looked up how big these magnificent creatures actually are.”

While the maps and the exotic items are wonderful, Mrs. Gorman knows what truly matters.

“I think the best part of this project really is showing the little ones how much love there still is in the world. And how complete strangers take a minute out of their day and a couple of dollars out of their pocket to send us a Valentine—to send it to students that they don’t know. So it’s been great because every Valentine’s Day we open, we talk about this is somebody that took time out of their day to show us a little bit of love.”

In an age when it’s easy to feel disconnected, Mrs. Gorman’s class is learning a profound truth: people care. Strangers care.