National Campaign Lifts the Spirits of Older Adults During a Peak Time of Isolation and Depression
(Hempstead, NY) EAC Network’s Meals on Wheels program, in partnership with DoSomething.org, Mentor Up, and the Meals On Wheels Association of America, announced today the results of Love Letters, a campaign that encouraged teens to make handmade Valentine’s Day cards to lift the spirits of older adults across the country during a peak time of isolation and depression.
“We were thrilled to have received more than 1,000 cards in the mail for our clients,” said Carol O’Neill, Regional Director of Senior & Nutritional Services at EAC Network. “As many connected to EAC Network’s Meals on Wheels program know, we deliver so much more than meals. These adorable cards have warmed the hearts of hundreds of homebound seniors in Westbury, New Cassel, Carle Place, and Valley Stream, New York, and we extend our gratitude to DoSomething.org’s thoughtful volunteers.”
In total, more than 68,000 teen volunteers nationwide made Valentine’s Day cards for nearly 100,000 of the 2.5 million vulnerable seniors receiving Meals on Wheels across the county. Love Letters provided an opportunity for young people across the country to help lift the spirits of older adults and combat social isolation. Young people found local, participating Meals on Wheels programs – from a list of 356 across all 50 states – where they sent the card(s). The Valentine’s Day cards were then included in meal deliveries made by Meals on Wheels volunteers.
For Sally, who is 90 years old with failing eyesight, each day is a struggle to survive. The homemade card from a child truly touched her heart. “What a surprise to get a Valentine’s Day card with my meal delivery! It’s been a long time since anyone sent me a card, and it made me remember my younger days when my husband and children always made me feel like a queen on Valentine’s Day. It brought tears to my eyes.”
To help EAC Network deliver more than just meals, visit www.eac-network.org or contact Carol O’Neill at 516.539.0150 ext 220.
About EAC Network’s Meals and Wheels Program
Last year, EAC Network’s Meals on Wheels program delivered thousands of nutritious meals to those whose age and health have left them very much alone. It delivers more than just food to frail homebound seniors in Nassau County, NY. Many of the seniors no longer have family or friends who visit, and EAC Network drivers and volunteers fill in that void. “The majority of our seniors live alone and sometimes the Meals on Wheels driver is the only visitor they have. It’s not just about food; it’s about contact and caring, and that is what makes our program so important to seniors,”says Carol O’Neill, Regional Director of Senior & Nutritional Services at EAC Network.
About Meals on Wheels Association of America
The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the only national organization and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. The Association is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states as well as the U.S. territories. More than 5,000 local Meals on Wheels Programs leverage a dedicated army of two million volunteers who day-in and day-out create an efficient and caring way to help America’s seniors stay independent, healthy and able to live in their own homes. For more information, visit mowaa.org.
About DoSomething.org
We love teens. They are creative, active, wired…and frustrated that our world is so messed up. DoSomething.org harnesses that awesome energy and unleashes it on causes teens care about. Almost every week, we launch a new national campaign. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn’t require money, an adult, or a car. With a goal of 5 million active members by 2015, DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US for teens and social change. Join us at www.DoSomething.org.
