Chenango Valley bus driver Ms. Ashley Nolan heard through social media that a veteran named James South, who loved getting cards and said he had just about everything else he needed, simply wished for 100 birthday cards for his 100th birthday. Inspired by his humble request, Ms. Nolan reached out to her student passengers to help make Mr. South’s birthday wish come true. Ms. Nolan mailed cards created by Port Dickinson, Chenango Valley Middle School and Chenango Valley High School students to Mr. South.
It turned out that Mr. South's simple request had an extraordinary response, and Ms. Nolan received a letter back stating that he had received over 250,000 cards from around the world! What a wonderful display of kindness! According to the letter, Mr. South and his family are taking the time to read each card and are truly honored by it all.
The letter also shared that Mr. South's love of receiving cards originated from a girlfriend who wrote to him each day while he served overseas during World War II. Her letters led to a love that would last for 55 years of marriage.