HANCOCK COUNTY, Ohio — In late 2020, the United Way of Hancock County launched the Senior Cheer Program. It started as a one-off idea to spread some holiday cheer in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was so well received it's now entering its third year.
The program asks people from across Hancock County to write letters, create art or send photos to be distributed to residents in local nursing homes.
"We have partnered with seven different nursing facilities and we then distribute them evenly to the different facilities," volunteer coordinator Sarah Mayle said. "And it's just a great way to volunteer and brighten someone's day."
Individuals, businesses and schools got on board quickly.
When it was brought back in 2021 due to popularity, double the amount of cheerful messages were collected for seniors.
Now, the United Way is ready to continue the project as an ongoing holiday tradition.
"We want to make it easy for people to get involved in the community," United Way CEO Angela Deboskey said. "And channels like Senior Cheer definitely make it easier for folks to find a meaningful and impactful way during the holidays, or all winter long."
The program can create connections with new people, too.
"Gives somebody a real good feeling to get involved in, but then it also gives a really good feeling to receive it as well," Deboskey said.
While Senior Cheer was conceptualized for the holiday season, the United Way will accept cheer donations all year long.
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