MASON CITY — Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and for the past 16 years, 5th graders at Lincoln Intermediate have been taking that message straight to their neighbors’ doorsteps.
Continuing a heartwarming annual tradition, students at the Mason City school recently rolled up their sleeves to craft homemade Valentine’s Day cards. Dedicating their time and creativity, the students thoughtfully designed each card with a singular mission: to bring a little extra joy to the local community.
Once the construction paper, markers, and thoughtful messages were assembled, the 5th graders hit the sidewalks to hand-deliver the colorful greetings to residents living in the neighborhoods surrounding the school.
According to the Mason City School District, the beloved project is about much more than a holiday activity. The initiative is designed to spread kindness and brighten the days of community members, creating a bridge between the school and its neighbors.
While the handmade cards certainly bring smiles to those who receive them, the tradition also serves as an invaluable teaching tool. Through this hands-on project, educators say the students are learning the deep importance of compassion, civic service, and fostering a strong community connection.
By stepping outside the classroom to deliver their heartfelt creations, these young students are doing more than just celebrating Valentine’s Day—they are proudly representing the “Riverhawk spirit.” For the 16th year running, Lincoln Intermediate students have proven that a simple, handwritten act of kindness can echo far beyond their school walls.
(PHOTOS via MCCSD.)