“Little Helpers teaches kids to give back to the community,” said Senator O’Brien. “The values the group seeks to instill in young people are ones that I feel very strongly about, both in my professional role as a state legislator and personally as a father of two young daughters.” On Wednesday, October 23 area families are invited to make thank you cards at the Spiegel Community Center room 102, located at 35 Lincoln Avenue in Pittsford from 4-6 p.m. The handmade cards will be delivered to area VA hospitals in November before Veteran’s Day. . “My father and stepfather were veterans of the Second World War,” said Senator O’Brien. “I grew up immersed in their experiences and stories. That had a lasting impact on my appreciation for military veterans. Every day, ordinary men and women put their lives on hold to defend our country with an unwavering sense of duty and incredible modesty about their heroism. I want to ensure, particularly for our younger generations, that there is continued appreciation for the sacrifices these men and women made.” Little Helpers was formed in December of 2010 by Tran Smith of Pittsford and Memphis moms Kristen Terrell Landsgaard and Pat Mitchell Worley. The program is designed to help young people understand the value of volunteering, recognize the blessings in their lives, broaden their community perspective and feel the sense of accomplishment received from lending a helping hand. The ultimate goal of the program is to raise confident children who see giving back to the community as a normal aspect of their lives. “One of my top priorities as a state senator is to make sure the 55th is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” added Senator O’Brien.”I believe the work being done by Little Helpers is advancing those goals and deserves to be acknowledged.”