Love was in the air at Cypress Assisted Living on Wednesday morning as third grade students from Earl Elementary greeted their pen pals with gifts in honor of Valentine’s Day.  The residents showed their affection in return by showering the students with candies, stuffed animals and other memorabilia.

“The kids were extremely excited to meet their pen pals,” said 3rd grade teacher Deserae Cook.  “It was a good experience for them to go through.  They were very mature and respectful with the residents.”

Students began their pen pal relationship with the residents  last September as a school project by writing letters and making special ornaments during the holidays.

“The kids get excited every time they receive a letter from their pen pals,” said Cook.  “They’ve developed a special relationships with the residents that some students go on their own time to visit them regularly.”