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Local nonprofit honors Gold Star wives on Valentine's Day

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Posted at 4:50 PM, Feb 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-13 19:11:09-05

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla.-- Special occasions can be tough for families that have lost a loved one and Valentine's Day is no exception.

Lyette Reback, the founder of Believe With Me, a local nonprofit, is working to make sure families of fallen soldiers are not forgotten.

Students like Will Eison, who goes to Jupiter Christian, volunteer their time and energy to pack Valentine's Day care packages for widows of fallen soldiers. Reback places a binder on the table. It's home to the stories of nearly 400 soldiers.

"Both sad for what happened but also appreciative of what those soldiers have done for my freedom and protection," said Eison. "As a teenager, I may not have loads of money to donate, I can still donate a lot of time through service."

The care packages are filled with American flag scarves, and a message to remind the widows their loss is not forgotten.

"Something as simple as Valentine's Day can be a really rough day for families that have sacrificed everything for their freedoms and opportunities," said Reback.

Believe With Me is also working to purchase a home for the family of a local fallen soldier. Reback is fundraising through the "Freedom Four Miler" race on July 4th in Tequesta.