The Henrico County Outreach & Engagement Agency is collecting Valentine’s Day cards for distribution to older adults as part of its sixth-annual “Spread the Love” campaign.
Schools, faith-based organizations and other groups as well as individuals and families are encouraged to participate by creating cards that will be shared at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Cards will be collected through Friday, Feb. 6, and should be generic with an uplifting message in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
The campaign was established in 2020 to show care and strengthen connections during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, more than 25,000 cards have been distributed throughout the community. It’s part of Outreach & Engagement’s Henrico EngAGE initiative, which promotes healthy aging in the county and offers programs and services for older adults, family members and caregivers.
“‘Spread the Love’ has become a powerful reflection of how Henrico residents support and care for one another,” said Ashlee Giles, the county’s advocate for the aging. “Cards have poured in from toddlers in local day care programs, thoughtful art projects from high school students and beautiful watercolor creations from local artists – each created with care and intention. ‘Spread the Love’ is a meaningful example of Henrico’s ability to come together and embrace all members of our community.”
Cards will be collected at four drop-off locations:
- Henrico County Government Center lobby, 4301 E. Parham Road
- Henrico County Public Safety Building lobby, 7721 E. Parham Road
- Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave.
- Eastern Government Center lobby, 3820 Nine Mile Road
Cards also may be mailed to: Henrico EngAGE, Attn: Ashlee Giles, P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273
For more information, contact the Office of the Advocate for the Aging at [email protected] or 804-501-5065.