The other day my daughter mentioned how much she missed seeing her friends, and added, "I'm sure there are other people who feel even lonelier than I do. I wish there was some way to let them know they are not alone."
Cue the memory flashbulb in my head! A couple of months ago a friend had forwarded me information about Pima Love Notes, a project started early in the quarantine to help our community connect with residents and staff of long term care facilities that were - and still are - on the strictest lockdowns. I thought the idea was wonderful, but for the moment it got filed away with other wonderful ideas, buried underneath the more pressing day-to-day stress of quarantine.
Until now. My daughter's comment immediately reminded me that while restrictions have loosened for many of us, the most vulnerable members of our community are still incredibly isolated. Even facilities that may have opened up to close family members still aren't able to allow visits from youth or community groups to help lift the spirits of residents with entertainment and activities.
That's where Pima Love Notes comes in. This is a very simple project that the whole family can do, requiring only some kind words and a stamp. The goal is this: Send cards and letters to residents (and staff) of local long term care facilities to let them know they are not forgotten.
 |
How can you participate? The Pima Love Notes website has all the details about how to send a note, including tips for content, addresses of facilities, and even printable cards and coloring sheets if you'd like to use them. Be sure to visit the website if you plan to do this project, but here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Wash your hands (and be sure your children also wash their hands) before starting to work on your Pima Love Notes.
2. Use large print for handwritten notes and a large, clear font for typed notes.
3. Be positive and upbeat in your message.
4. Don't write the date on your note, because they will need to be held for sanitization, and may not get to the residents right away.
5. Be creative! Draw or color pictures, make a collage, or craft your own cards.
6. Visit the Pima Love Notes website for details about how and where to send your note.
7. Share the love! Encourage others to join in by sharing on social media with the hashtag #PimaLove.
If you've read this far, I would like to request one more hashtag to share on social. The daughter who prompted our family's participation in this project has a birthday coming up. She would love to know that this article inspired others to reach out and address the problem of loneliness in our community. If you could also include #HappyBirthdayClara on any #PimaLove social media posts, that would be an amazing birthday gift for her, too. 💗💗
Like this article? |
You may also like these local features:
 |  |
