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Health & Fitness

Help Us Help Our Lonely Elders

I have written previous blogs regarding elder loneliness and ways people of every age can help. I came upon this article regarding the importance of reaching out to the senior citizen population, especially as the number of people in senior homes continues to rise, and wanted to pass it on: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glamourgals-foundation-inc/elder-care_b_16... Many senior citizens in nursing or assisted living homes do not ever receive mail, and have few visitors. Even the occasional phone call can be quickly forgotten. Spending some free time volunteering in a nursing home is a very rewarding experience, and bringing children along is always a special treat. For those that do not have the time for visits, there are other ways to help show your appreciation and respect to our elders. "Snail Mail For Seniors" is an organization I created 7 years ago to help remind seniors that they are not forgotten. We send a card or child's drawing monthly to seniors that do not otherwise receive mail or visitors What started out small has now expanded to sending out over 800 cards each month to seniors in Michigan. This could not be made possible without the donations of cards and pictures from so many wonderful people all across the country. Teachers, troop leaders, and parents have donated artwork from their kids. Churches and local libraries have had card making sessions for our group. It is such a simple, yet meaningful way to help ease the loneliness for a senior citizen. People have seen our facebook page from all over, and donations of cards come in from as far away as Belgium! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snail-Mail-For-Seniors/124492997569226 As the school year is coming to an end, and parents are often flooded with artwork and pictures their kids have collected over the year, consider donating some of them to us to pass on to the seniors. Teachers, during those last few days when you have free time to fill, or indoor recess with the rainy weather, consider have your students color pictures or making cards for our seniors. Please do not write "get well" or use glitter. Local donations may be dropped off at the front desk at Waltonwood Carriage Park Assisted Living Home, 2000 Canton Center Rd. (smaller of 2 buildings.). Please have the bag labeled "Snail Mail", with donor info inside. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 87491, Canton, 48187 If you have questions, you may contact me at : snailsmiles@hotmail.com Sending a card may seem insignificant, but to the seniors that receive them, it makes a huge difference. I've been told by nursing home directors that our mail is the only thing many have hanging on their wall, and many carry the cards with them. Some cry with joy because they feel they haven't been forgotten. So please keep us in mind when looking for a home for your kid's artwork, or need a rainy day activity. Our website is: www.snailmailforseniors.com Thank you.

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