The E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc. would like to say "thank you" to the caring and compassionate citizens of Blair County.
According to Kevin M. Smith, owner of E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home Inc., almost 2,400 Valentine's Day cards were collected and shipped to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places around the world where U.S. troops are stationed.
Area schools, businesses, and countless individuals dropped off cards daily at the funeral home to remind the soldiers they are appreciated and remembered on Valentine's Day. "It was very heartwarming and extremely touching to see the outpouring of community support for our troops. We know this will be a morale boost for the troops," he said.
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Courtesy photo
Area children were among those who donated Valentine’s Day greetings for soldiers. Pictured are (from left): front row — Aurora Soural, Ilana Vaughn and John Stewart Jr; back row — Kristine Hricko, Kourtney Sweeney, Vince Debnar, Haileigh Kenawell, Jazzmine McCauley and Cheryl Smith of E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home Inc.
E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home Inc. is also an official collection site for "Cell Phones For Soldiers" program.
"With more than 150,000 troops serving overseas and away from their families, this is one way for us to help troops stay connected with their families," Smith said.
Any type of cell phone is accepted in any condition and may be dropped off at the funeral home at 2309 Broad Ave., Altoona, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
