One non-profit is looking to spread some love to nursing home residents this Valentine’s Day.
Chris Guck, one of the founders of "The Cupid Project,” told KNX News’ Margaret Carrero that when he was in high school in Texas, he started the "Hearts Club" where they did monthly art projects at nursing homes.
“After a couple of years of doing this, we kind of noticed that around Valentine's Day, it was a really emotional time for residents at the nursing home because a lot of them have significant others who have passed away, and so it was definitely like a very emotional time,” he said. “It's also one of the holidays where they get less visitors.”
So, Guck and his sister, Stephanie, and their younger brother delivered the Valentine’s to all the local nursing homes in their community.
“I think that was one of the most impactful moments of my life, not just going up to the front desk and dropping off the cards, but also like having the relationship with every person,” Stephanie said. “I heard stories of the last time they received a Valentine, some of these people never even having been given a handmade Valentine in their life, talking about what Valentine's Day meant to them and their families, their loved ones, people that they've lost. It just was amazing to see how impactful one small handmade card could have on someone's day.”
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In 2018, they created The Cupid project. According to their website, the non-profit has delivered more than 175,000 cards to facilities across 10 countries.
Stephanie says for those who want to send a card, it’s not too late.
“I absolutely encourage anyone who's feeling motivated, moved, and connected to the mission to go home and make a card, maybe with yourself or a few friends and find a community that has residents that you can connect with,” she said.
Be sure to call ahead and coordinate with them before delivering the cards.
You can learn more about The Cupid Project here.
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