LeadingAge made Valentine’s Day a little sweeter at the Residences at Thomas Circle. Makeda Vanderpuije, executive director of LeadingAge DC, delivered 22 handmade Valentine’s Day cards to share with residents—during their Mardi Gras party!

LeadingAge staff created the one-of-a-kind cards as the service project portion of their annual staff engagement get-together. Two LeadingAge DC members shared names of residents who do not get regular visitors, and staff made personalized cards for them. Residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home also received beautiful cards, every one of which had a little extra love included during its making.

“What a special day! It was a joy to live the LeadingAge value of community by delivering cards to residents at a member organization,” said Vanderpuije. “Seeing smiles from the residents and from their friends who shared in the happy sentiments was great.”

“Wow you got three!” said one resident to another, who replied, “I guess I’m just lucky!”

Sena Quist, executive director at Thomas Circle, had this to add: “We all remember handing out Valentine’s Day cards in grade school, and I think the residents enjoyed receiving these just as much today. As they say, age is just a number—and ours is 1330.” (A reference to the community’s street address.)

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone from LeadingAge.