Sharing the love: G-K students make cards for ‘Valentines for Seniors’ drive

SYCAMORE – Students in Genoa-Kingston High School’s Impact Club recently gathered in the library after school to use their creativity for good.

As a club, the students made valentines using paper, markers and small decorations. The handmade valentines will be distributed to older adults in the community.

State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, and state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, partnered for the second year to sponsor the “Valentines for Seniors” card drive to benefit people living in local residential care facilities.

Tara Wilkins, the club’s faculty adviser, said that projects like the valentine’s card drive are what the group is all about.

“We do any type of community service, from raising money to help a family that lost their house in a fire, anti-bullying, Feed My Starving Children and teacher appreciation,” Wilkins said.

Impact Club member Ava Wells, a freshman at Genoa-Kingston High School, said she took part in the card-making event as a way to help others.

“I like being creative, and I’ve never made valentines before,” she said. “It’s an easy way to make others happy and spread some cheer.”

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Genoa-Kingston students in conjunction with the Genoa-Kingston High School Impact Club make Valentines Day cards Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, in the library at the school. The cards they are making will be part of “Valentines for Seniors,” a card drive for local seniors living in residential care facilities, sponsored by State Representative Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, and State Senator Dave Syverson R-Rockford. (Mark Busch/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

Junior Amina Music was there with her two sisters, sophomore Medina and freshman Mirela.

“It sounded like fun, and we’re able to help make a difference in other people’s lives,” she said.

The G-K High School Impact Club made about 50 valentines after meeting a few times after school.

Last year the inaugural card drive collected nearly 10,000 valentines.

Syverson said his favorite part of last year’s event was receiving photos from recipients.

“We received photos where the valentines were taped to mirrors and doors and hanging in hallways,” he said. “It shows that the valentines were very much appreciated by the recipients.”

Keicher said he was shocked at how many people participated last year.

“I was blown away at the level of participation,” he said. “It was a way to let seniors in our community know that they are cared about and they are not forgotten.”

Elizabeth Hoppenworth, resident services administrator at Oak Crest-DeKalb Area Retirement Center in DeKalb, said residents greatly appreciate the gesture of being given valentines.

“It reminds them that people are thinking of them,” Hoppenworth said. “It lets them know that others care, they’re being thought of and that they’re not forgotten.”

Hoppenworth said that residents always enjoy receiving mail and that any card or letter would be appreciated.

“This is a generation that went to the mailbox to receive a card, they didn’t email or use Twitter or Facebook,” she said. “It’s always a good idea to reach out to a facility independently and ask what you can do. Little things can make such a difference and a positive impact. Just ask, ‘What would be meaningful and what would help?’

The “Valentines for Seniors” card drive runs through Feb. 10. The cards will be delivered to nursing homes and senior living facilities before Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14.