LA MESA, Calif. — Cupid is hard at work making sure that seniors feel the love on Valentine’s Day.
Senior Helpers East San Diego, a non-medical home provider for the elderly, launched a Valentine's card drive for seniors.
“I collect little embellishments,” said Cheri Murrell.
The retired kindergarten teacher is really into making cards and has made many for military families to send to their loved ones and now she wants to help local seniors.
“I like paper crafts and sewing but it's knowing it’s [card] going to influence someone, it’s going to please them and make their day brighter,” said Murrell.
When she heard about a Valentine’s card drive for seniors she got to work.
“I got 30 together and let her [Senior Helpers] know the next day and she’s going. ‘Wow.’ And I thought, well I still have lots of stuff and I have time, so I just went crazy. And then after 130, I said, you know what, you just calm down,” said Murrell.
The goal is to send 500 cards to seniors who may be spending the holiday alone.
“A lot of them have been with their spouses or loved ones for 50, 60 years and this could be a very lonely time for them,” said Amy Duell, Caregiver Services Manager, Senior Helpers East San Diego.
She is the cupid behind the card drive at Senior Helpers and Duell says the response to send cards has been overwhelming.
“I would do anything for our seniors,” said Duell.
She is close to reaching the goal of receiving 500 cards but says they will gladly accept more cards.
“Within two days I had an overwhelming response of people who wanted to donate cards, treats, flowers it definitely shows how wonderful our community is,” said Duell.
A national poll on healthy aging found that 33 percent of seniors experience feelings of isolation.
“It’s just a series of loss as you get older. And I just think about people that are in facilities and they really don’t have much at all,” said Murrell.
Senior Helpers plans to deliver the cards the week of Valentine’s Day.
People can make their own card or buy one in any language and send them to Senior Helpers by February 9.
You can mail or drop off all cards to Senior Helpers at 5464 Grossmont Center Drive. Suite 330, La Mesa, Ca. 91942.
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