Valentine’s For Seniors: a Valentine for everyone
MCHENRY COUNTY – A little love goes a long way and fortunately many people are willing to share their hearts as we approach Valentine’s Day. This spirit of love is needed more so now than anytime we can recall because of the isolation caused by COVID-19.
State Senators Donald DeWitte of St. Charles and Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods are among area lawmakers helping uplift the spirits of long-term care facility residents. They’ve been collecting Valentine’s Day cards for Valentine’s For Seniors Program.
“Because of strict guidelines in place to keep the coronavirus out of these facilities, many residents have had almost no contact from the outside, which has left them feeling isolated and forgotten,” DeWitte said.
McConchie sees the program as a safe and healthy way to bring people together and do something really nice for someone else.
“Whether you are an artist, a poet, or just someone who has a nice message to share, you can get involved in this program and brighten someone’s day,” McConchie said.
In the 33rdSenate District, DeWitte’s office has supplied a list of long-term care facilities in Huntley, Algonquin, and Lake-in-the-Hills where his staff will deliver cards before Valentine’s Day. The list includes Heritage Woods, Deer Path, Huntley Springs Retirement Resort, Alden Estates CTS, A Place for Mom, Loving Attentive Home Care, Eastgate Manor, Melody Living Lake in the Hills, and The Heathers Senior Homes.
Megan Benzel, administrator at Heritage Oaks in Huntley, is expecting a delivery soon of beautiful cards, many of them handmade. This is Heritage Woods first formal Valentine’s For Seniors Program through DeWitte’s office.
“We’ve had great support from the community such as school students, girl scouts and church groups making Valentine’s cards for our residents and they’ll drop off those cards in the next few days. A local business, Valley Fire Protection Systems in St. Charles, is filling goody bags for Heritage Woods residents,” she said.
A few months ago, Benzel saw the excitement on the faces of residents that received cards from its Christmas card program. Six hundred holiday cards were delivered in December and residents talked about the cards for weeks.
“The overwhelming response was shock and awe…they didn’t understand what they had done to deserve this kindness,” said Benzel.
