The campaign for local students and others to write valentines for servicemen and women overseas is returning for its 12th year, according to Valentines For Troops Chairperson Donna Monteleone Randle.ndrandle@charter.netmariniello@newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org

Each year the Valentines for Troops program, offered through the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 308, sends letters and care packages to deployed personnel. After being written, letters from local students and other participants are proofread by volunteers and sent with care packages.

This year, Ms Randle said the effort will be sending letters and care packages to five Air Force units, three with connections to Newtown and two with connections to Connecticut. Each of the units has roughly 50 to 100 people.

So far, Sandy Hook Elementary School, Reed Intermediate School, Newtown High School, and St Rose of Lima School are all participating in the effort. A number of schools in Danbury and Daniels Farm School in Trumbull are also taking part in the effort this year.

. She also said all participating groups are sending letters and care packages when ready before February 15, the day after Valentine's Day.Ms Randle said other schools and organizations can also join the effort by e-mailing her,

or 203-270-4335.Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) is also participating. NYFS recently launched its Operation Heart to Heart program, which will send letters and care packages through Valentines for Troops. For NYFS's efforts, community members can drop off valentines at NYFS, 15 Berkshire Road, until Monday, January 30. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 8 pm; and Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm. For more information about NYFS's efforts contact Matt Ariniello at

For care packages, Ms Randle said troops always appreciate instant coffee packets, butterscotch, and mints.

"Things that aren't going to melt or get broken when shipped," Ms Randle said.