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Local Voices

Mid-East Area Agency on Aging Receives Valentine's Day Cards from DoSomething.org's Youth Volunteers

National Campaign Lifts the Spirits of Older Adults During a Peak Time of Isolation and Depression

 

St. Louis , Missouri, February 14, 2014 – Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA), in partnership with DoSomething.org, Mentor Up and the Meals On Wheels Association of America, announced today the results of Love Letters, a campaign that encouraged teens to make handmade Valentine's Day cards to lift the spirits of older adults across the country during a peak time of isolation and depression.

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“We were thrilled to have received more than 1,000 cards in the mail for our clients,” said Mary E. Schaefer , executive director,  MEAAA. “As many connected to MEAAA know, we deliver so much more than a meal. These adorable cards have warmed the hearts of 800 homebound seniors in St. Louis, Jefferson Franklin and St. Charles counties, and we extend our gratitude to DoSomething.org’s thoughtful volunteers.”

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In total, more than 68,000 teen volunteers nationwide made Valentine’s Day cards for nearly 100,000 of the 2.5 million vulnerable seniors receiving Meals on Wheels across the county. Love Letters provided an opportunity for young people across the country to help lift the spirits of older adults and combat social isolation. Young people found local, participating Meals on Wheels programs – from a list of 356 across all 50 states – where they sent the card(s).  The Valentine's Day cards were then included in meal deliveries made by Meals on Wheels volunteers.

To help MEAAA deliver more than just a meal, visit www.agingmissouri  or contact 636-207-0847 for information.

About MEAAA
MEAAA has been providing services for seniors in Jefferson, Franklin St. Charles and St. Louis counties since 1973.  MEAAA provides 2,500 meals per day Monday through Friday for homebound seniors as well as offering transportation, information on local services, exercise opportunities and much more.  More information is available at www.agingmissouri.org

 

About Meals On Wheels Association of America
The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the only national organization and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. The Association is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states as well as the U.S. territories.  More than 5,000 local Meals on Wheels Programs leverage a dedicated army of two million volunteers who day-in and day-out create an efficient and caring way to help America’s seniors stay independent, healthy and able to live in their own homes.  For more information, visit mowaa.org.

About DoSomething.org
We love teens. They are creative, active, wired…and frustrated that our world is so messed up. DoSomething.org harnesses that awesome energy and unleashes it on causes teens care about. Almost every week, we launch a new national campaign. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn't require money, an adult, or a car. With a goal of 5 million active members by 2015, DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US for teens and social change. Join us at www.DoSomething.org.

 


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