New Trier Township is introducing a Be My Senior Valentine program as a continuation of the recently piloted Senior Snowflakes event. These programs give residents the opportunity to fill the wish of a resident senior citizen as a holiday gift. The Be My Senior Valentine event kicks off on Friday, February 1 when valentines will be posted at the Township Office at 739 Elm Street in Winnetka. Each valentine corresponds to the wish list of a senior citizen who lives on a fixed income. The donor then fills the wish list by shopping for a few of the gifts that senior requested. Wrapped gifts must be dropped off at the Township by Wednesday, February 13 for delivery to the senior on Valentine’s Day. Suggested spending is $50.

The gifts these senior citizens receive through this program will greatly brighten their lives. Some seniors receive as little as $700 per month out of which they must pay rent, utilities and medical costs--that leaves them very little for food and personal needs. Fulfilling these wish lists can be a simple task for you and your family but also may be tremendously rewarding to know that you’ve eased the financial burden on an elderly person and given them a hoped for gift. Both recipients and donors remain anonymous in this process.

The valentine art was designed by members of Our Place of New Trier Township, a local nonprofit whose mission is to support adults with developmental disabilities so that they can live productive, meaningful lives in their home community with family and friends. Residents are invited to come by the Township to see the lovely display and consider joining in this worthwhile effort. For more information, contact Social Services Administrator Jeanne Winsted Rosser at jwinstedrosser@newtriertownship.com or 847.446.8201.