Senator Hinchey’s Office Delivers Nearly 4,000 Valentines to Nursing Homes and Veterans Organizations as Part of 4th Annual Valentine’s Day Card Drive

February 14, 2024

5th Grade Students, Ichabod Crane Middle School

5th Grade Students at Ichabod Crane Elementary

KINGSTON, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey and her Constituent Services Team held their 4th Annual Valentine’s for Seniors Card Drive, benefitting area nursing homes and veterans organizations in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, and Ulster counties. Nearly 4,000 handmade cards have been delivered by Hinchey’s office to 11 nursing homes and 5 veterans organizations just in time for Valentine’s Day, thanks to the contributions of students from 20 participating schools and Columbia-Greene Community College, teachers, parents, community members receiving services at Devereux Behavioral Health, Freedom Home of Upstate New York, Taconic Innovations, and organizations including the Ulster County SPCA.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Conveying our love and appreciation for our seniors and veterans is a cause close to our hearts, and every year, the overwhelming response to our Annual Valentine’s For Seniors Card Drive surpasses our expectations. This year is no different. To the students and neighbors who generously contributed their time, creativity, and compassion to our drive — thank you! Your collective efforts speak volumes about the love we all hold for one another, and I know that the seniors and veterans across our community who receive these cards will be moved by your beautiful messages!”

Marissa Curtis, Activities and Events Coordinator at Tenbroeck Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, said, “Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Hinchey. Our residents were delighted by the cards they received from Senator Hinchey's annual Valentines for Seniors program. When distributing the cards among our residents, we were met with such touching responses to the children’s artwork. We believe in the value of intergenerational connection as well as emphasizing the role of community in our seniors’ lives. Senator Hinchey’s Valentine program has done just that while delighting our residents. Ten Broeck Center would also like to thank the school children for their beautiful cards and enthusiastic messages.”

Richie and Rose Roughton, community members from Ruby, New York, who handmade 250 rose pens and cards as part of the effort, said, “We wish to thank Senator Hinchey and her team for their efforts in making a positive difference and spreading joy through their annual card drive. Their commitment serves as an inspiration to all. For my son Richie, a young man living with autism, participating in initiatives like this holds special meaning, and it’s a privilege for him to give back to his community in this way. Our seniors and veteran heroes need to know they are loved and appreciated. We can only hope that the love made in each Valentine is multiplied and enjoyed by those who receive them, and we look forward to helping again!”

Jennifer Rickert, 5th Grade Teacher at Ichabod Crane Middle School, said, “It was our pleasure participating in the Valentines for Seniors program again this year. It is important for us, as a community, to remember and celebrate our elders. Watching our students thoughtfully design their Valentines and decorate them, writing sweet messages, and knowing that they would be opened by local Seniors was truly heartwarming. We hope that we have contributed to giving many folks in our community a big smile and a feeling of being loved and appreciated on Valentine's Day.”

Schools participating in Senator Hinchey’s Fourth Annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive include:

COLUMBIA COUNTY