Cupid Crew to make special Valentine’s delivery to residents of Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home

Wish of a Lifetime from AARP’s 11th annual Cupid Crew is sending love to residents at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home with a special delivery of roses and Valentine’s cards.

AARP volunteers in East Hawai‘i created 200 handmade Valentine’s Day cards that were given to the Hawai‘i County Nutrition Program to be distributed Wednesday with residents’ meals.

“This time of year can be socially isolating for folks,” said volunteer Pam Bruce. “I am so glad to be participating in this event and bringing a little joy and love on Valentine’s Day.”

No matter your age, everyone needs connection to thrive physically and emotionally. The continuing problem of social isolation threatens the health and mental well-being of millions of people in the United States.

Through the Cupid Crew, Wish of a Lifetime encourages people of all ages, in communities big and small, to help isolated older adults feel more connected and loved.

“This project will bring smiles to our residents and to our staff, who will deliver the cards and roses on Valentine’s Day,” said Stacyn Sakuma, activities director at the state veterans home in Hilo.

Statewide, AARP volunteers and community partners are distributing nearly 7,700 roses and 1,000 Valentine’s cards to bring love and social connection to kūpuna in nursing homes, care homes and living on their own.

Nationally, Cupid Crew volunteers are delivering more than 170,000 roses and 35,000 cards to kūpuna.

“Now in its 11th year, Cupid Crew has impacted over 750,000 older adults throughout the country, something that is especially important during a holiday that is all about love and connection,” said Tom Wagenlander, vice president and executive director for Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. “I encourage everyone to say hello, send a card, deliver a rose or call someone in their neighborhood experiencing isolation. Your small gesture can greatly impact how much love and community they feel.”

It’s not too late to download and create your own cards to send to an older adult. Click here to (wishofalifetime.org/cupid) to learn more.