NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - The North Salem Recreation Department recently wrapped up its sixth annual “Valentines for Seniors” program, continuing a heartfelt tradition that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since grown into one of the community’s most cherished initiatives.
Launched in 2021 as a way to spread kindness and ensure homebound residents felt remembered and connected, the program reached a record-breaking milestone this year. More than 1,600 handmade Valentine’s Day cards were collected — double last year’s total and the highest number in the program’s history.
To help spark participation, the Recreation Department distributed 200 card-making kits throughout the community. Many residents also used their own supplies or attended one of the department’s card-making events. With strong support from local schools, families and preschools, cards poured in from residents of all ages, from toddlers to seniors.
All cards were collected at the North Salem Community Center, where staff members reviewed and packaged them into bundles of three to five cards, each including a word search puzzle. The finished packages were mailed to more than 70 residents in and around town, delivered to Home-Delivered Meals recipients, and shared with local care facilities.
In total, 240 cards were delivered to Waterview Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare and Salem Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare, including many created especially for veterans.
“Our Valentine’s Happy Hour at Waterview was made even more special thanks to the incredible ‘Valentines for Seniors’ initiative,” said Denise Moore of Waterview and Salem Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare. “Members of the local community poured their hearts into creating handmade cards for our facilities.”
Representatives from the Recreation Department stopped by Waterview Hills on Friday to deliver a full bag of cards, which were distributed during the facility’s Valentine’s Happy Hour and hand-delivered to residents at Salem Hills.
“We’re grateful for this beautiful act of community love and for everyone who took the time to make Valentine’s Day extra meaningful for our seniors at each location,” Moore said.
The Recreation Department expressed its appreciation to everyone who participated in the program, including those who made cards, submitted names of potential recipients, and volunteered to sort, package and deliver them. Special thanks were extended to community partners including the North Salem Senior Club, local town offices, the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library, and staff at Waterview and Salem Hills for helping bring the program to life.
What began as a small gesture during a challenging time has evolved into a powerful reminder that simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
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