Students pictured with cards: Marlee Jones, Robert Hatfield, Aaden Colwell, Brayden Briscoe, Cynthia Gay and Vestiny Vasquez. | Lauren Estes

Lauren Estes

Hartselle Enquirer

For the second year, Sparkman School’s second grade students put smiles on hundreds of veterans faces after delivering 2100 Christmas cards to VA hospital.

Second grade teacher Pamela McCurdy set a goal to collect 1000 Christmas cards after gathering over 600 in 2015. Not only did they reach it, they doubled their goal.

“It was a true honor to be able to walk around the VA Hospital and hand out cards to the men and women who have served our country,” McCurdy said. “Many of the Veterans said they collect the cards that they receive from children in different school systems. If just goes to prove how a small gesture of kindness can go a long way.”

McCurdy delivered the cards and 22 pounds of peppermint to the Birmingham VA hospital. 2nd Grade Christmas Card Drive for Veterans

The goal to collect the 1000 cards was set in November and they also began getting the peppermint.

“This is the second year for the community service project,” McCurdy said. “It is dedicated to the memory of SPC Michael L. Serda and in honor of all military personnel.”

Although the second graders initiated the project, McCurdy said it could not have been done without the assistance of the local area helping.

“We’re very proud of our school and community for supporting our Christmas Card Drive,” McCurdy said. “We received cards from all over the county; Schools, Girl Scout troops, Boy Scouts and BBVA Compass Merchant Service and BBVA Compass Commercial Billing in Decatur. Also thank you to Beth Serda and the people at BBVV for collecting 1006 cards for the class.”