To show local seniors some love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day, children at the South Shore YMCA Early Learning Centers and Y playrooms in Hanover and Quincy designed over 200 handmade Valentine’s Day Cards that were delivered to residents at local nursing homes and senior care facilities across the South Shore.
South Shore YMCA Vice President of Youth Development, Kristine Swan, shared how important it is for seniors to know that children are thinking of them during the holidays and said that children get a sense of inspiration from sharing their artwork. “I don’t know who gets more joy from these Valentines, the seniors who receive them, or the children who made them. From our youngest child in our early education programs to school-age students in before- and after school care, most children have a special older person in their life that they admire. Being able to share a handmade Valentine with a senior who may be feeling lonely makes them feel so proud.”
The Valentines were delivered by members of the South Shore YMCA staff to senior living communities in Hanover and Quincy. While bringing cards to Benchmark Living at Hanover, Joyce MacDonald, South Shore YMCA Senior Director of Development, shared her excitement in giving back to seniors in our community. "Our Y kids made these beautiful Valentine’s to wrap the our seniors in a warm hug! We are appreciative and inspired by the relationship we have grown with Benchmark Living. Since opening, Benchmark leaders have embraced involvement with the our Y, we're honored to give back to their residents and let them know how much we care".
“There are a lot of residents here that don’t get visitors on Valentine's Day, and they feel isolated," said Taylor from Alliance Health at Marina Bay. "These Valentine’s Day cards made our residents so happy, there were so many extra smiles from our seniors today".
Happy Valentine's Day from the South Shore YMCA!
