Valentines for Seniors is a community initiative aimed at spreading love and cheer to local senior citizens. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Helping Hands OV announced the return of its annual Valentines for Seniors program, inviting the community to create and donate handmade Valentine’s Day cards for local seniors. The program, now in its sixth year, will accept card donations Jan. 4 through Feb. 4 at participating businesses throughout the area.

The season of love will officially kick off with a card-making party from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 3 at Carlton Senior Living–Orangevale, 8773 Oak Ave. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and help launch the effort by creating cards in person. If able, bring card making supplies to donate to local teachers for their classrooms to participate in making cards.

Last year, the program collected more than 10,400 Valentine’s cards for seniors. Organizers are hoping to surpass that number this year and are asking the community, “Can we share 10,500 smiles?”

For many senior citizens, particularly those who are isolated or living in care communities, holidays can be a difficult and lonely time. A handmade Valentine’s card serves as a reminder that someone is thinking of them, that they matter and that they are still connected to their community. These cards often bring comfort, joy and a sense of belonging, making a lasting emotional impact well beyond Valentine’s Day.

Homemade cards can be dropped off in pink collection boxes at the following participating locations:

Katie Yount State Farm; Dairy Queen; Dwelly Chiropractic; Rod Works Folsom; OV Grocery Outlet; OsteoStrong; Scotty’s Hideaway; Fix Auto Orangevale; Moore’s Garage; Rose Senior Placement; Total Landscape Concepts; Donut Spot; Mode Brewing + Kitchen; Greenback Hazel Animal Hospital; Ashley’s Country Kitchen; Miss Rancho Cordova Pageant Inc.; Greenback Treasures; BrainyZoo Toys; Vision Tax; The Moth Hole; Hot Off The Griddle; and La Placita.

Helping Hands OV is a local nonprofit organization that assists low-income, elderly and disabled neighbors with small household tasks and offers a wide range of community programs, including Valentines for Seniors.

For more information, and a full list of drop off locations, visit helpinghandsov.org under the Programs tab or contact Helping Hands OV at [email protected].