Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and while the holiday can bring happiness to
some, for others, it is a source of loneliness.
That’s why Amy Duell is making it her mission to collect as many Valentine’s cards a
possible to deliver them to as many local senior centers as she can.
Duell is the caregiver services manager for Senior Helpers in La Mesa, a provider of in-home senior care that offers services ranging from companionship to more specialized care for seniors with diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
This is the second year that Duell is organizing the drive. She says the reason she does
it is because seniors aren’t always thought of on Valentine’s Day. They are thought about
during bigger holidays, like Christmas or Thanksgiving, but never really receive anything
on Valentine’s Day.
“It broke my heart,” Duell says, adding that for many seniors who’ve lost long-time
partners, Valentine’s Day is difficult and can lead to feeling lonely or sad.
This year, Duell expects to collect around 2,000 cards, surpassing last year’s total of
1,800.
“I didn’t really know what I was getting into last year but you realize how much the
community loves its seniors and it is very rewarding and emotional.”
She says the best part of it all is delivering the cards and seeing their reactions.
“It is amazing,” she said. “I love our seniors.”
Duell extends her deepest thanks to everyone who helped to support local seniors this year.