For a child in the hospital, even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference. A simple Valentine’s card, decorated with bright colors and heartfelt messages, is more than just paper and ink. It’s a moment of joy — a reminder that someone is thinking of them, even in their most vulnerable moments.
This year, the Newcastle community came together in a big way, creating more than 1,000 Valentine’s Day cards for the young patients at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. This was a whopping 700 more than last year. Each card was a tiny but powerful gesture, a reminder that love and support extends beyond hospital walls.
“We were absolutely blown away by the response this year,” said Kyle Marks, director of Parks and Recreation. “Last year, we were thrilled to collect around 300 cards, but to see that number more than triple just shows how much heart this community has. These children may be facing difficult days, but each card tells them, ‘You are loved. You are not forgotten.’” A special thank you goes out to Newcastle Public Schools, where students of all ages took time to craft heartfelt messages, and to Pioneer Library System, which set up a card-making station to bring even more people into the effort.
“The library and the schools really stepped up in a big way,” Marks said. “Seeing children and teens create something special for kids they’ve never met was truly inspiring. It shows that kindness doesn’t have to be grand it just has to be given.”
The cards were delivered to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital on February 10, just in time to bring a little extra love on Valentine’s Day. For the children receiving treatment, these small tokens of care were more than just festive decorations; they were a source of comfort, a break from the routine of hospital life, and a reminder that even strangers can become a source of warmth and encouragement.
“Something as simple as a Valentine’s card can brighten a child’s day,” Marks said. “It’s not just about the card itself, but what it represents — a moment of joy, a feeling of connection,
and the knowledge that they’re not alone.”
For more information on programs by the Newcastle Parks & Recreation, visit NewcastleOK. gov/events.
