Shades Cahaba students make valentines for homeless shelter

“Roses are red, violets are blue, they are pretty, just like you.” This was one of the many messages of love given to the homeless for Valentine’s Day from students at Shades Cahaba Elementary School.

Designed by DeLaine Ragland’s third grade class, the valentines were given to those staying in our emergency shelter.

“They were made with love,” Ragland said. “They really put a lot of thought and time into these.”

The valentines project has been a school-wide activity brought to teachers by Shades Cahaba counselor Marea Ennis. The idea was to make generic Valentine’s Day cards to be delivered to various Birmingham agencies. But, after learning of the project, a student in Ms. Ragland’s class wanted to know if she could distribute theirs specifically to The Salvation Army. The students agreed to do that.

“It is just an amazing show of love from these children,” said Associate Area Commander Captain Kathy Parker. “Taking the time to do this always offers hope to those in a crisis situation.”

Parker was on hand to pick up the cards, as well as to greet the children and thank them for their support of others in the community. The cards will be on display in different parts of the shelter over the next week so that everyone can see them.