Many UK students showed up to the CSI room in the student center on Monday, February 10, 2015, to make hundreds of valentine cards that will be given to senior citizens along with their food from Meals on Wheels on. Photo by Marcus Dorsey
By Katie Hunt
news@kykernel.com
Young at Heart, a program within the Center for Community Outreach, gathered students and volunteers together at the Student Center on Tuesday to make valentines for the elderly.
This Valentine’s Day, senior citizens will receive a special gift from the “Love Letters for Seniors” event along with their food from Meals on Wheels this Saturday.
Chemical engineering junior Kristin Mulliniks, who directs Young at Heart, said she has always had a passion for helping the elderly.
Recently, Mulliniks gained more of a personal connection to the cause after losing her grandmother to Alzheimer’s.
“We decided to do this event because many senior citizens feel forgotten, and we want them to know there are people out there who appreciate them,” Mulliniks said.
To spread the love to the senior citizens, the valentines included poems and notes of appreciation, all trimmed with red and white decorations. The gifts will be distributed to seniors who are part of the Meals on Wheels program, Mulliniks said.
“‘Love Letters for Seniors’ is perfect because the senior citizens aren’t expecting this. They will be receiving some love along with their meal,” biology and psychology freshman Parth Patel said.
Patel, a coordinator for Young at Heart, found the organization after looking for ways to continue community service at college.
Mulliniks said that last year Young at Heart held a prom for members of a nursing home.
Communication science and disorders senior Kellie Kirkham said she felt that the charitable activity was a perfect event for this time of year.
“It is so common for seniors to feel neglected, so Valentine’s Day is a great day for the reminder that someone out there loves them,” Kirkham said.
Physical therapy freshman Kaitlyn Hargett agreed with the goal of making senior citizens feel loved.
“After hearing about this event in class, I decided to come help out because I believe that even just one card can go a long way,” Hargett said.