February 28 is celebrated nationally as Letters to Elders Day, where family and friends are encouraged to write letters to their elder relatives to create connections for people living in senior communities.
This year, students from Patrick County Public Schools decided to get in the game and sent over 500 letters to residents of The Landmark Center in Stuart.
“Residents and staff were overwhelmed and delighted at the response from the students,” said Landmark marketing director Lisa Martin. “From beautiful artwork to heartfelt greetings and Valentines expressing love, students displayed a spirit of kindness and empathy that was simply heartwarming for the residents and their families.”
Woolwine Elementary School was one that participated, and principal Jeannie King said of the school’s involvement, “Woolwine Elementary was honored to be asked to participate in the Letters to Elders program. All students in grades PreK-7 participated and wrote letters in their own handwriting. They also added some very wonderful drawings. The teachers discussed letter and note formats, and what it meant to lift others up in kindness. WES sends Lisa Martin, Admissions Director many thanks for including our school in this very important event that allows us to be community partners with the Landmark Center.”
Letters were delivered to residents on Sunday, a day that many were enjoying visits from their families. Janet Handy, daughter of resident Hazel Ziegler, enjoyed sharing the letters with her mother and said of the occasion, “They all enjoyed ice cream in the activity room after receiving their beautiful cards! So thoughtful and sweet of those students! All the residents were so grateful for the beautiful sentiments the students wrote.”
Along with Woolwine, Patrick Springs Primary, Stuart Elementary, Blue Ridge Elementary, Meadows of Dan Elementary and Patrick County High School students were involved in celebrating Letters to Elders Day. The Landmark Center is appreciative of their support.