Senator Don DeWitte launches second annual ‘Valentines for Seniors’ card drive
MCHENRY COUNTY – In January 2021, State Senator Donald “Don” DeWitte (R-St. Charles) participated in the first “Valentines for Seniors” card drive program, which originally started to help uplift the spirits of long-term care facility residents who had limited contact from visitors due to the strict COVID-19 guidelines at the time.
“I want the residents of our senior homes to know that they are not forgotten and that more people care than they ever realized,” DeWitte said.
As the new year begins, DeWitte is now prepared to launch his second annual card drive “to ensure seniors know they are an important and valued part of the community.”
DeWitte is currently asking public and private school students, church groups, scouting organizations, and other groups to create homemade cards that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 33rd Senate District.
The 33rd Illinois State Senate District encompasses cities, townships, and villages within Kane and McHenry counties including Batavia, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Geneva, St. Charles, Algonquin, Burlington, Grafton, Hampshire, Plato, Rutland, Campton Hills, Carpentersville, East and West Dundee, Gilberts, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, and Wayne.
“The response to this program last year exceeded all expectations, as my office collected and distributed more than 3,700 cards,” said DeWitte. “The smiles on the faces of senior citizens when the cards were delivered were priceless. My goal this year is to collect at least 5,000 cards.”
Dewitte says that cards, poems, and other well-wishes will be collected between now and Feb. 7 at his West Dundee office, located at 641 S. 8th Street.
Individuals that are dropping off cards in person during business hours can place the cards in the Valentine box located inside the office door from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A small mailbox will be placed outside of DeWitte’s West Dundee office for those dropping off Valentine’s cards during off-hours. Cards can also be mailed.
“Last year, we were able to bring smiles to senior citizens at 22 different assisted living centers and nursing homes,” added DeWitte. “When my staff and I dropped off large bags of Valentines, it was evident that the seniors felt special, appreciated, and cherished. Loneliness can be a real issue for the elderly, especially as the pandemic continues to limit the amount of time they can spend with loved ones. Let’s all do our part to bring some joy to seniors, so they know we’re thinking of them.”
In 2021, Senate Republicans collected and delivered more than 45,000 Valentines through the statewide “Valentines for Seniors” program, according to DeWitte.
State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville), who collected Valentine’s cards for seniors within the 54th Illinois Senate District, highlighted what made this program so important.
“Over the past few months with the ongoing health pandemic, our senior citizen community has been extremely secluded for health and safety reasons and that isolation has taken its toll,” said Plummer. “While this pandemic is still ongoing and everyone must continue to be vigilant, this card drive is just a small gesture we can do in the meantime to reach out to our seniors, show our support, and let them know we care.”
