Special to the Enquirer 

Area senior centers were once the gathering place for many seniors, offering an opportunity to socialize, participate in activities and events and receive a hot meal. Because of the pandemic, however, all centers have been closed since the spring – increasing social isolation for the homebound as well as meal recipients that regularly attended the senior centers. As a special Valentine’s Day treat, the North Alabama Regional Council of Governments set out to spread some cheer amidst the solitude.  

“The idea first came to me over the holidays,” said Cissy Pearson, outreach coordinator for NARCOG.  “I thought there had to be something we could do to help put a smile on the faces of those we serve.  So, I reached out to a couple of teachers to see if there might be interest in students making cards.”   

The project took off from there. Students in kindergarten through high school created more than 500 cards for distribution to every meal recipient in Morgan and Lawrence counties.   

Hand–drawn and colored teddy bear cards, embellished cards and unique works of art came in from elementary students, and original designs were created by members of the National Art Honor Society at Hartselle High School.  

Cards will be delivered with meals before Valentine’s Day by volunteers and NARCOG employees.   

“The teachers, counselors and especially the students were wonderful. They were all so enthusiastic about helping,” said Pearson. 

As a result of the Valentine project, NAHS members plan to create adult coloring sheets for NARCOG to share in coming months. 

NARCOG provides programs and services for older adults and those with disabilities of all ages in Cullman, Lawrence and Morgan counties.  Visit www.narcog.org to learn more about the More Than a Meal program and other services offered through the agency.