Local students learning how to speak and write Chinese had a chance to put what they’ve learned to good use recently, writing cards to orphans awaiting surgery in China.

On Sunday, representatives of a group that provides surgery for orphans overseas told more than 50 students of the Santa Clarita Valley Chinese School how well their cards were received recently when presented to orphaned infants scheduled for surgery in China.

“This group donated cards that were presented to 26 kids awaiting adoption,” said Naomi Carmona-Morshead, spokeswoman for the group, Mending Kids International.

“Five of the 26 kids were adopted.”

She and Isabella Fox told Sunday’s Chinese class just how successful the card-writing exercise had been, showing them a short film about the experience produced by Fox.

“As well, every kid gets a blanket and a stuffed animal,” Carmona-Morshead said.

Mending Kids International provides “life-changing surgical care to children worldwide,” according to its website.

Over the years, thousands of children have received corrective, transformational surgeries that have given them a chance at longer, healthier and happier lives, the group reports.

Most of the surgeries we perform are to correct congenital heart defects, orthopedic abnormalities, severe scoliosis, and significant cranial facial deformities, according to the website.

Jinghong Li, principal of the local Chinese school on Kelly Johnson Parkway, said his students were thrilled to see the impact of their card-writing campaign.

“They were really happy,” he said.

“This was the second year in a row that they’ve done this but they’ve never had a response before.

“To see young kids being held, it makes them feel good,” he said. “Language is a part of culture.”

jholt@signalscv.com

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