Cards for Caring initiative to ease seniors’ isolation

LEOMINSTER — Montachusett Home Care Corp. has launched the Cards for Caring imitative for the holiday season to gather holiday greeting cards made by individuals that will then be distributed to the aging community throughout the region who may be living in isolation during the holiday season.

In collaboration with Congresswoman Lori Trahan and Congressman Jim McGovern, Montachusett Home Care will reach across the 21 communities in North Central Massachusetts.

“The holidays are an opportunity to spend time with our families, but the pandemic has prevented all of us, especially older people in our community, from seeing loved ones,” Trahan said in a prepared statement. “That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with Montachusett Home Care and Congressman McGovern to launch our Cards for Caring initiative to spread some joy in a way that keeps everyone safe. We’re encouraging everyone to submit a personal, handwritten card as a small way to spread some holiday cheer during these difficult times.

“During this unprecedented time when the health and safety of our loved ones have kept many of us apart, it’s so important to find new ways to come together and build community,” McGovern said in a prepared statement. “I have been telling people from day one that I don’t like the term social distancing — I say physical distancing, because we still need to surround ourselves with the love and kindness of others, even if we can’t be together in the same place. That is exactly what this initiative is about, and I hope everyone will join us by submitting a greeting card to spread hope and light to those who are isolated during the holiday season.”

The initiative was created after Montachusett Home Care realized the effect COVID-19 would have on our aging population as the holiday season approaches with many remaining isolated.

“We are a caring community, and our initiative can bring a smile to someone lonely. COVID-19 has increased social isolation, and this has a great impact on our older population. A second-grade daughter of a staff member, joyfully and excitedly made five cards, knowing they would brighten someone’s day. I know the recipients of these cards will have a moment of wonderment at well wishes and thoughts from our community. MHCC is grateful to partner with Congresswoman Trahan and Congressman McGovern and our entire community to make a positive difference one person at a time, one card at a time,” said Lori Richardson, CEO of MHCC.

Outreach and coordination have also begun with the region’s schools.

There is a card drop-off location at Montachusett Home Care’s headquarters, 680 Mechanic St., Leominster. Business or community members interested in learning more about the campaign should visit www.montachusetthomecare.org/cardsforcaring or contact David Ginisi, chief marketing officer, at 978-466-1571 or via email at DGinisi@mhcc-1.org.