CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- May is Older Americans Month and Chesterfield County is hoping students will help put smiles on the faces of seniors with a program called “Letters of Love.”
The program connects Chesterfield students with seniors who are isolated in one of the county’s 26 long-term care facilities.
Kids compose the letters as if they were writing to a grandparent or loved one.
“We are hoping this brings that same sense of worth that you get when a loved one holds you or hugs you or comes to visit you,” Emily Ashley, Director Citizen Information and Resources, said. ”That this is just going to bring a smile on their face.”
The program also allows students to practice their writing and spelling skills and to think of others during the school shutdown.
The county s working with each program director to deliver the letters safely to the seniors.
The county also is continuing its Telephone Reassurance Program for seniors and in May will kick-off “Thank a Hero” highlighting food service and front line workers.
For “Letters of Love” students can send letters to:
Chesterfield County Office of Aging
P.O. Box 40
Chesterfield County, Va. 23832.
To volunteer for the Telephone Reassurance Program for seniors, email Agingservices@chesterfield.gov or call 804-768-7878.
