NORMAL, Ill. – The College of Applied Science and Technology program CAST Connections held an event to spread the love this Valentine’s Day. Cards of Hope allowed students to create valentines for people impacted by traumatic events. Event creator John Munn explained how the event started and where the cards are going.
“Cards of Hope got started as Cards for a Cause, a program from the First Gen Fellows, another CAST Connections Program,” Munn said. “In previous years, this program had been around the holidays, and the cards were provided to various populations around the Bloomington-Normal community. We realized that this could be a great way to help ISU students express their concern and try to help bring a smile to the faces of families who had lost their homes or livelihood.” Munn said.
Munn shared what these cards tend to look like.
“Usually contain a brief, positive message on the front with a drawing or stickers. While the inside usually contained a longer more personal message from the students, which included words of encouragement, strength, and hope” Munn said.
So far Cards of Hope has hosted two events where they have given out cards. They made cards after the California Wildfires to residents of the LA area who have been displaced. Cards of Hope for Valentine’s Day were given to the Carle Cancer Institute in Normal.