Can words heal? New York students write cards of support to NYPD officers
NEW YORK, NY -- A group of students on Long Island spent part of their day making cards to show police officers that they are appreciated in a touching show of support for the NYPD.
But can words heal? That's the hope of the project, called Cards for Cops.
"Out of all the news that's been happening with the police officers, I don't think they get thanks much," student Diana Sanchez said.
Her letter reads: "Dear police, thank you for everything you've done for our community."
Members of the Long Island-based Truth Urban Theater Group came up with the idea, and students at Brentwood North Middle School were excited to help.
"This can be a way to really start healing, we feel," Truth Urban's Shadrack Boakye said. "If we just learn to communicate
The group has been documenting handing out the cards to NYPD officers.
"We feel like a lot of people are arguing and going back and forth and saying who's right and who's wrong," the group's Melee Joseph said. "Instead of really sitting down and having a peaceful conversation."
"It's about love and respect and about creating this culture of love and peace," Truth Urban's AnTionette Byers-Paredes said.
They say it certainly helps the entire police family.
"It builds a bond between us and the youth," said Peter Rivera, of the Suffolk County Police Departement. "It helps. Every little bit helps."
The goal is to get the kids out with them in a few weeks so they can hand the cards to the officers themselves. They're just waiting to get permission from parents.
"We started out the school year with, 'Be the change you want to see in the world," principal Matthew Gengler said. "We've really challenged the kids to do more than think about things, call them to action, do things."
For student Christopher Minardi, this project has a special meaning. His dad is NYPD.
"He's always there for everybody," he said. "I feel it's important for this."
And that may be just what the city needs.
