Stickers, stencils and markers of every color turned blank white cards into morale and support for American troops overseas on Wednesday in the Student Union.
A trend that started in California, the national goal is to send 2.6 million cards out - enough for all active servicemen and women. Heather Schoff, a graduate student majoring in student affairs administration, hoped for as many cards from UB as possible, but didn't set a specific goal.
Schoff helped set up the low budget event to contribute to the initiative that started on the other side of the country.
"It's quality over quantity," she said. "Everything counts."
Most students made "thank you" cards. Some wrote notes of appreciation with extensive decoration, while others left their cards simple and to the point. A few even included return addresses so the receiving solider could have the opportunity to send a reply.
Schoff said that community service doesn't have to be something that is dreaded and painful. Sending a card to a solider is a good deed that shows appreciation. According to Schoff, it's not necessary to support the war to support the troops.
"People can take five minutes and do some community service," Schoff said. "Some people had (personal) reasons, some people just wanted to show support."
Schoff hopes to send the cards out later this week, although she has to look through each card to make sure the content is appropriate.
"I think it's important that the troops know people appreciate them," said second year MBA student Adam Bavifard.
"Some of these men don't have anybody sending them stuff," Schoff said. "There (are) people that haven't been home in a long time."
Although the event has passed, students can still made cars to send overseas by stopping by the Leadership Development Office in 235 Student Union.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
