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.
“It is so important for children to express kindness to others, especially to our seniors,” said Mary Spargo, Director of the South Shore YMCA Early Learning Center in Hanover. “That connection between the generations is so special, and we hope the residents enjoy these beautiful Valentines that the students made with love.”
South Shore YMCA Vice President of Youth Development, Kristine Swan, feels it is important for seniors to know that children are thinking of them during the holidays, and says 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,” said Swan. “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 Hingham and Quincy. While bringing cards to Allerton House at Harbor Park and Bridges by EPOCH memory care assisted living community in Hingham, Dan Berry, Executive Director of the Emilson YMCA in Hanover, shared that serving the community wherever they are is part of the Y’s mission.
“Many of these residents in senior care are struggling with memory loss and have felt even greater separation from their families and friends due to COVID,” said Berry. “To remind these men and women that their community cares, and to give them a piece of artwork created by a child, that’s the true spirit of Valentine’s Day. Our Y is proud to provide that sense of connection.”
“Our seniors have been so isolated throughout the pandemic,” said Tammy Chen, Activities Director for South Cove Manor at Quincy Point. “It means so much to them knowing the community cares. Thank you for supporting our seniors.”
Cindy Bondi, Director of Recreation at the Hancock Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Quincy, thanked the Y and the children for their special gift. “The residents truly appreciated the cards. They were very original and sweet, and we thank the children for their thoughtful and creative efforts.”
To learn more about YMCA Early Learning Centers, Afterschool and Camp programs for children, and activities for seniors, visit ssymca.org/childcare.
About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a leading charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the community through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.
