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Freshman U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District) is expanding a program she started for Valentine’s Day into a year round tradition.

In February she launched “Valentines for Veterans,” where she teamed up with local elementary students, and others from the district to bring cheer to local veterans. That program was so popular that she’s now expanding the program to start “‘Sending Smiles to Vets,” on several major holidays.

“The response to ‘Valentines for Veterans’ was touching, with thousands of students and residents coming together to show our veterans how much they are loved,” she said. “Responding to the success of the project and the smiles it brought to veterans’ faces, we are working with the community to extend the project year-round. The ‘Sending Smiles to Vets’ program will engage grade school children on an ongoing basis to bring cheer to hospital rooms and community gathering places and reach even more veterans.”

Within the new program she will visit the Ann Arbor VA Hospital, the John D. Dingell VA Hospital and other veteran organizations within the district to make them smile on days they otherwise might not.

Students from across the region will be asked to create artwork that will then be passed along to veterans participating in the program.

In a bipartisan manner, Dingell invited other members of Congress and elected officials at all levels to join her in the delivieries. U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-07) helped to deliver the valentines last month.

The first “Sending Smiles to Vets” delivery will occur around the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Those who wish to participate may drop off artwork at Dingell’s Michigan offices any time before March 13, or call the Dearborn office at 313-278-2936 to arrange for pickup. The program will also celebrate spring, fall, and Thanksgiving.

Dingell has local offices in Dearborn and Ypsilanti.

Dearborn Office

19855 West Outer Drive

Suite 103-E

Dearborn, MI 48124

Ypsilanti Office

301 West Michigan Avenue

Suite 400

Ypsilanti, MI 48197