Dear Senior: A Valentine’s Card Drive That Brings All Generations Together

A Community-Wide Effort, From Ages 3 to 103

One of the most beautiful parts of the Dear Senior campaign is watching crafters of all ages come together for a shared purpose.

• Preschool classrooms gather around tables covered in crayons, glitter, and stickers, carefully writing messages like “You are loved.”
• Elementary and middle school students design colorful cards while learning the value of kindness and service.
• Church groups, crafting clubs, and local businesses turn card-making into social events filled with laughter and purpose.
• Assisted living residents create valentines for fellow seniors, showing that giving doesn’t stop with age; it grows stronger.

From the youngest hands learning to write their names to older adults who understand firsthand how much a kind message can mean, the Dear Senior campaign truly becomes an intergenerational labor of love.

Why These Cards Matter

Many seniors in our community experience loneliness and social isolation, especially during holidays. A handwritten Valentine may seem small, but its impact is powerful.

“Even the smallest gesture, like a handwritten card, can make a powerful difference in a senior’s day and reassure them that they matter,” said Jorge Giraldo, MBA, CEO/Owner of Senior Helpers of Polk County. “Many older adults experience loneliness and isolation, and this campaign offers a heartfelt way for our community to remind them they are valued and remembered.”

Each card serves as a reminder that someone took time—just for them.

How the Cards Are Shared

Cards are being collected now through February 7 and will be delivered on February 12, 13, and 14. Thanks to partnerships with senior living communities, Veteran and community in-home care providers, and meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels and VISTE, valentines will reach seniors who may otherwise go without a visit or celebration.

Building on a Powerful Legacy

Last year, the Dear Senior campaign delivered more than 4,000 Valentine’s cards across Polk County. The response was overwhelming—not just from seniors, but from the community members who found joy in creating something meaningful together. Local media even highlighted the collection process as a powerful human-interest story, showcasing how kindness spreads far beyond a single card.

This year, we aim to build on that momentum while continuing an important conversation about combating senior loneliness.

How You Can Participate

Whether you’re part of a school, church, business, senior community, or crafting group—or simply someone who enjoys making cards—your participation matters.

• Drop off handmade or signed Valentine’s cards at
  Senior Helpers of Polk County
  2515 Troy Ave., Lakeland, FL 33803
• Encourage group card-making events at your organization
• Share the campaign with friends, neighbors, and colleagues

More Than Cards—It’s a Mission

Senior Helpers of Polk County has proudly served our community since 2008 and is Joint Commission Accredited. Through initiatives like the Dear Senior Valentine’s Card Drive, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and their families—both through professional in-home care and meaningful community connections.

This Valentine’s Day, we invite you to join us in spreading love one card at a time—and to be part of a campaign that reminds seniors they are never forgotten.

For more information, contact Georgiana Goodson, Community Relations Manager, at 863-686-7333 or visit
www.seniorhelpers.com/fl/polk-county/