Valentine's Day - A Play Date With A Cause

Hi, Islanders!

This past weekend was crazy! We hosted a small sleepover with Munch's friends, attended Hubbs' basketball game, enjoyed a brief date night, conducted our second Valentine's photo shoot, attended (and sang for) two church services, (served a cake at church and enjoyed) a birthday lunch for Devona and more…  It was great but I must admit, I started this week off tired.  Like, really tired.

As if I'd ever be able to look forward to sleep, I have a lot to do this week in preparation for our Valentine's Play Date.

You see it.  I typed it.

A Valentine's Play Date.

Sure, I'm always looking for a reason to party but, in this instance, we're partying for a great cause.

The DoSomething.org love letter campaign.

Learn The Issue:

Depression and isolation in older adults affects people of all backgrounds.

THE FACTS:

1. A lack of social connections (which can be re-phrased as loneliness or isolation) is as comparable a risk factor for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is worse for individuals than other well-known risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity.
2. An estimated 6 percent of people ages 65 and older in a given year, or approximately 2 million individuals in this age group, have a diagnosable depressive illness.
3. The rate of depression rises when in home healthcare or hospitalization is required. Depression rates rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospital patients.
4. 1 in 6 seniors don't know where their next meal will come from. That’s why they have Meals on Wheels!

…

I'm making simple decorations, providing lunch, sweets and Munch will pick out small gifts for the friends who come.  They'll have fun playing and making cards in support of this awesome campaign.  We will also hand-deliver some cards to our neighborhood retirement center and that has me most excited!

We're teaching Munchface the importance of possessing a philanthropic heart.  What better holiday to show love for others than Valentine's Day?  Who knows, this may become Munch's annual holiday event with her friends - making cards for the elderly…  I think I like that idea.

Would you like to join in the card decorating?  

Head over here to sign-up!  It's super easy to participate!

Get Crafty

Send an older adult a handmade Valentine’s card. Include 3 facts about yourself and say Happy Valentine’s Day! Find tips on making the best card here.

Send It

Snap (and upload) a picture of you and all your cards, find the address of the Meals on Wheels location of your choice and send the card on its way!

It's SO easy and SO sure to have a major impact in someone's day!

This week, I will share our Valentine crafts, party plans, activities, gifts and more.

It should be a LOVEly week!