It's in the cards

FINDLAY — Remember valentine parties in grade school? Every desk held a valentine mailbox made from an old shoebox. Handmade cards were decorated with pink and red construction paper hearts. And sometimes a heart-shaped piece of candy embellished with greetings like "B Mine" and "Hot Stuff" was tucked in the envelope. The United Way of Hancock County is about to bring back a blast from the past. The Volunteer Center is hosting a card-making open house from 4-6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the conference room at the United Way office, 318 W. Main Cross St. Volunteer Coordinator Mindy Ary said all ages are invited to stop by anytime during the event and help create handmade Valentines that will be delivered to seniors in time for the holiday. "In the past we've done crafts, but this year we're doing cards, just keeping it simple," she said. "Hopefully that will allow us to make as many as we can." Last year's total came to 78 valentines, she said. "It's a decent amount but there's quite a few nursing homes in Hancock County. I know we can't hit them all, but it's nice to try and make an effort," Ary said. The items last year were a little craftier which took longer to make. "So this year we're trying to stick to the cards so that we can try to get a little more out there," she said. "I thought we can get like even a little assembly line going in here." Examples will be available to help participants get started. Anyone from the public can stop in and create a handmade valentine for the local seniors, she said. "It's welcoming and just about reminding the older adults in the community that they're seen and not forgotten," said Ary. She said card-making supplies were donated last year, and they still have plenty left to use. "Also people can feel free to bring stamps, stickers. If anyone has anything they would like to donate, that's amazing as well," said Ary. "We had quite a few young ones show up last year, so I'm also hoping for that. They had a great time. Snacks and punch will be available, she noted. "So we'll probably just kind of sit around and cut and paste and color and stamp and sticker," said Ary. Participation is free. Ary along with some of the Volunteer Ambassadors will deliver the Valentines on Feb. 13 since the holiday this year is on a Saturday. "When I deliver them, they're extremely excited," she said. "It's enjoyable to make them, and it's enjoyable to deliver them." The seniors also enjoy getting these items, she said. "It brightens their day. But what they really want is they want people to come and interact with them," she said. United Way has been working on ways to make that happen, she said. "A huge part of senior cheer is we're trying to get groups and volunteers to go to the local nursing homes to play cards and sit and do a puzzle with a senior," Ary said. "They love to play games, and they just love interaction. And there's so much to be learned from our senior communities." She's actually working with some groups now to place them at a couple of the nursing homes for some activity days. "United Way likes to be able to connect people who want to help with the people that need the help or the support," Ary said. "It's so important to remind seniors that they still are a valued part of Hancock County. This is really just an easy and fun way to show kindness to them." Registration for the open house is not required by requested. A SignUpGenius link can be found on the United Way website and Facebook page. "If there's anybody who would like to make cards at home and they don't have a way to get them to us, they can contact me and we will arrange for pickup," said Ary. To arrange card drop off, pickup or to donate extra cards or card-making supplies, contact Ary at volunteer@uwhancock.org or 567-249-1844. Anyone interested in visiting a nursing home should also reach out to her.