O'Hara encourages community to make Valentine's Day cards for local senior citizens

O’Hara officials want to make sure their senior citizens know they are loved this Valentine’s Day.

People are invited to make cards and write something special for residents at Lighthouse Pointe Village at Chapel Harbor.

Supplies are available at the township building, 325 Fox Chapel Road. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The last day to make a card is Feb. 12.

The project launched mid-January through O’Hara’s human services department.

“We understand that the senior citizen population is often overlooked,” said social services coordinator Jalen Byrd. “This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to express our appreciation and gratitude toward our local senior citizens and let them know how much the township and its community members value and cherish them.”

Lighthouse has about 120 residents, including some from other states.

Resident manager Krista Bernauer said this is the first time she can recall such a project by the township.

She believes the cards will bring a smile to the seniors’ faces.

“I think the residents will be pleasantly surprised because they don’t know about it yet,” she said. “That will definitely make an impact with some residents. A lot of families live out of town and out of state. I think this is something that will brighten their day. It’s really nice that they’re doing that.”

Card-making was first made available mid-January. More than 100 cards were made by the end of that month.

“We’re getting a good turnout,” Byrd said. “We have some of the (police) officers writing some of the cards. We have some of our community members coming in and writing some down and students from Fox Chapel Area High School. We’ve had a lot of individuals excited for this event and participating.”

Township police will help distribute the cards the week of Valentine’s Day.

“We believe that this collaboration with our local senior facility will help foster a sense of community and belonging among the elderly population, and we are committed to making a positive impact on their lives,” Byrd said.

It is one of several community projects planned for this year. Other activities include game nights, art workshops and more.

“Our goal is to provide the residents with more opportunities for social engagement and entertainment by organizing a series of events,” Byrd said. “These events will be tailored to meet the varying interests and needs of the residents.”

For details, call 412-694-6439 or email jbyrd@ohara.pa.us.