For residents in senior care facilities on Valentine’s Day, one of the most beloved annual Vital Life Foundation events is Cupid Crew. In partnership with Wish of a Lifetime, volunteers traditionally help pass out thousands of roses and valentine cards to seniors in an effort to spread love and fight isolation.

A card may seem like something that’s really small, but in the lives of these seniors, it’s a gigantic gesture.

This year, while facilities couldn’t open their doors to the usual volunteers, cards sent from friends, family, community members and Girl Scouts across the nation showered residents with love. “A card may seem like something that’s really small, but in the lives of these seniors, it’s a gigantic gesture,” said Amy Drahota, executive director of the Foundation.

Because groups of volunteers couldn’t deliver roses to seniors personally this time, Wish of a Lifetime made arrangements to have roses shipped directly to facilities so that staff could carry on the Cupid Crew tradition! Some rose deliveries were delayed due to winter storms across the country in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. But once again, senior care facility staff rose above challenges that were outside of their control–something they’ve become experts in over the past year.

Senior care facilities pulled out all the stops! Staff wore red and pink, or dressed in funny, homemade Cupid costumes. Special treats were shared and musicians stood outside playing live music despite the winter weather. This outpouring of joy and love lifted the spirits of both the seniors and the dedicated staff who care for them every day.

Vital Life Foundation and Wish of a Lifetime sent over 3,000 roses to more than 30 facilities. Across the country Wish of a Lifetime sent over 13,000 roses to almost 90 senior care facilities.

Click Here to see photos of seniors enjoying Cupid Crew cards, roses, and celebrations.