Valentine’s Day is considered to be a time to acknowledge friendships and relationships. That’s what some students of Lowndes Academy had in mind on a recent visit to Hayneville.

Students, parents and faculty members at Lowndes Academy delivered homemade Valentine’s Day cards this past Thursday to residents of the Orchard Healthcare Center located at 205 Highway 21 South in Hayneville.

Students in grades four through six were asked to make the cards from construction paper along with other arts and crafts material. The cards were made during class time and at home by the students.

“The only cards that some people living in the Center will receive are the ones brought by the students,” said Emily Spear, who is hosting the project.

Spear says she “wants all students, specifically those transitioning from grade school to junior high, to understand the value of working and giving to others within and outside of the community, especially those with true needs.”

Spear and her students sang Christmas carols to residents at the assisted living facility this past holiday season to brighten the residents’ mood. Many of the residents gathered in the Center’s community room while others moved into the hallways to enjoy the caroling.

“We’ve had an overall positive response from the residents of the Center and other members of the community,” said Spear.

The fourth, fifth and sixth grade students rotate each holiday to allow everyone to participate in each activity.

Spear hopes to get the students involved with other projects and activities around all major holidays to continue helping people with “true needs“ inside and outside of the community.