MARQUETTE, MI— United Way of Marquette County is asking for community residents of all ages to participate in National Letter to an Elder Day.
The holiday was started by the nonprofit Love for Our Elders and is celebrated each year on February 26. The goal is to bring joy to isolated seniors by sending a heartfelt handwritten letter. UWMC has partnered with Community Action Alger Marquette’s Meals on Wheels program to deliver the letters to area elders along with their meal. Meals on Wheels provides hot, healthy, well-balanced meals to seniors who are homebound and unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. The program currently serves 275 residents in Marquette and Alger counties with meals and wellness checks.
“We are always looking for ways to collaborate with our partner agencies and have a positive impact in the community,” said Holly Michelin, Program Coordinator at UWMC. “This is a great time of year to reach out to those who are most isolated and vulnerable – the holidays are over, the cold weather isn’t, and we could all use a little extra joy.”
Those wishing to write a letter should consider the following:
• Letters should be kind and thoughtful, avoiding controversial subjects.
• Creativity is encouraged, including artwork, but please keep it neat and legible.
• Feel free to introduce yourself (first name only) and your interests, tell a story or favorite memory, or provide words of encouragement and joy.
• Consider sharing what you love about the area or adventures you’ve taken. All letters will go to local residents who will be familiar with the area and have many memories here.
Letters can be dropped off or mailed to United Way of Marquette County, 1414 W. Fair Ave., Suite 26, Marquette, MI 49855. Letters must be received by Thursday, February 24 to be delivered with Meals on Wheels the following week.
Letters will be screened before delivery for appropriate content. Providing identifying information in the letter (home address, last name, or phone number) is solely the risk and responsibility of the sender, not UWMC or CAAM. As such, please do not expect a return letter.
UWMC is a community-based non-profit bringing people, organizations, and resources together to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of all individuals. CAAM is a multi-purpose non-profit human service organization providing services in the areas of community nutrition, early childhood education, and housing services. Both agencies are 501(c)3 nonprofits.