Students, seniors team up to make valentine's for vets
Students at St. Cajetan School joined residents of Smith Village, 2320 West 113th Place, for their 11th annual Valentine’s for Vets gathering on Feb. 10, 2026. Residents and students teamed up to create Valentine’s Day gifts for veterans in the Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center. Students and residents paired up create pocket-hugs, a hand-crafted small heart made and donated by The Quilter’s Trunk, attached to a card with a personal message of encouragement and comfort. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A letter a student wrote to a veteran. Students at St. Cajetan School joined residents of Smith Village, 2320 West 113th Place, for their 11th annual Valentine’s for Vets gathering on Feb. 10, 2026. Residents and students teamed up to create Valentine’s Day gifts for veterans in the Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center. Students and residents paired up create pocket-hugs, a hand-crafted small heart made and donated by The Quilter’s Trunk, attached to a card with a personal message of encouragement and comfort. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Hugh Clifford visits with Gene Sablick after they finish their valentines. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The students and residents share a laugh. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Ann Jung works with Marita Tierney on their valentines. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Amelia Vaughan and resident Rita Macellaio work on a valentine for a veteran. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Dylan Moss writes a letter to a veteran during the event. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Seventh grader Gavin Byrnes helps a resident. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Alice Keane, a resident at Smith Village and a retired CPS teacher and principal, smiles while working with St. Cajetan student Nora O'Sullivan. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Sheila King assists St. Cajetan student Marnie Esposito with a valentine. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
