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Many people are having to exchange special occasions for social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak, including birthday celebrations.

A pair of local sisters want to spread joy to those who are struggling because they can’t celebrate with loved ones this year.

Piper Brock and Hartlee Epperson, both 8-year-old third graders at Strode Station Elementary School, have been spending their time off school making dozens of cards to send all over the country.

“We counted today and so far they have made 72,” the girls’ mom, Elizabeth Epperson, said in a phone interview Thursday.

Piper said they got the idea to make cards, and their mom asked her friends on Facebook to let her know about people who might need a little cheering up because they’ll be practicing social distancing on their birthday.

“I got a ton of messages about people needing cards,” Elizabeth said. “It’s been crazy.”

Elizabeth said those wanting to request a card from Hartlee and Piper can message her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elizabeth.w.epperson.

“Then we just decided to start making the cards in our free time,” Piper said.

So far, the girls have mailed cards all over Kentucky and as far as Colorado, Wisconsin and Georgia.

Hartlee said they make cards by folding paper in half. They decorate their cards with hand-drawn messages like “Happy Birthday” and pictures of balloons or birthday cakes.

“Then, we write a message inside that says something like, ‘Sorry you’re missing your birthday,’ and we tell them about ourselves,” Hartlee said.

Elizabeth said the girls’ mission hits close to home.

“Their birthdays are two weeks apart,” she said. “We were going to celebrate a little early this year because I’m expecting their newest little brother around the time of their birthdays. We’ve explained to them that they may have to cancel their birthday party this year, too. So they know first hand what the people are feeling when they make these cards.”

The girls said making the cards is fun, but the best part is being able to put a smile someone’s face during a difficult time.

“I’m happy we can help people celebrate,” Piper said.

“It makes me feel like a better person,” Hartlee said.