Students and seniors got together at a retirement community in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago's South Side to make valentines for military veterans with medical challenges.
Students from St. Cajetan School were collaborating with seniors at Smith Village at 113th Place and Western Avenue.
They were making what they call "pocket hugs."
They're cards with small quilted hearts attached.
The students and seniors were working together on the messages.
"We're making card to send to the hospital for the veterans to help them get happy and feel better," said 8th grade student Dylan Moss.
"Making other people feel happy is what we're supposed to do," said his classmate, Logan Boyd.
Logan and Dylan were at a table with Smith Village resident Julie Karstrand.
"I think it's fabulous," she said. "My husband was a veteran and I can really appreciate what these young people are doing."
19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea started this 11 years ago.
His father is a resident of the retirement community.
"It's a valuable lesson for all of us in a world that's so upside down, and that's talking about the difference between empathy and sympathy," the Alderman said.
He added, this is about empathy.
The veterans who will receive the cards are part of Rush University Medical Center's Road Home program.
The quilted hearts were donated by The Quilted Trunk.