Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, candy, and cards pulled from store shelves. But across Minnesota this year, something far more meaningful arrived in mailboxes – nearly 3,000 handmade Valentine’s Day cards.
Each created and looked at by volunteers, and then mailed out by Friends & Co (formerly Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Twin Cities). These cards were delivered to older adults across the state. Cards reached older adults in small towns, suburbs, and major cities alike, underscoring the statewide impact of the program.
From Duluth to Rochester, Moorhead to Winona, and dozens of cities in between, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Maplewood, and White Bear Lake.
Every card carried the same quiet but powerful message: You matter.
At Friends & Co, we believe meaningful connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple and as powerful as a handwritten card.
“It is hard to explain the power of Cards Connect,” said James Falvey, executive director of Friends & Co. “Older adults tell us that receiving a handmade card makes them feel like they truly matter. Volunteers report feeling joy and purpose when their creativity makes a difference in the lives of people who often feel forgotten. And our donors share their pride in knowing that even modest contributions can have such a positive impact on individuals and whole communities when they see how many people are enjoying this simple, yet powerful activity.”
A Seasonal Tradition Rooted in Connection
Cards Connect is one of Friends & Co’s seasonal volunteer programs, offered four times a year. Volunteers sign up to create handmade cards that are mailed to older adults throughout Minnesota, some of whom live alone or experience social isolation.
The cards are as varied as the people who make them. Some come from professional artists, others from elementary school students. Some are colorful and playful, others simple and reflective, but all are created with care and intention.
For many volunteers, Cards Connect is an easy entry point into volunteering in Minnesota, one that fits into busy lives while still making a real difference.
Behind Every Card is a Community Effort
Making the cards is only the first step.
Then comes one of the most joyful parts of the process: the Card Counting Crew.
Before any of the handmade cards are mailed, volunteers help read each message to ensure it is warm and appropriate for the older adult receiving it. This reflects the respect Friends & Co holds for the people we serve.
For a couple of days, volunteers gather to sort and count cards before they are prepared for mailing.
Through our Card Count Crew, we were able to prepare nearly 3,000 Valentine’s for the next step of the process!
From Tables to Mailboxes
Once cards are read and counted, another group of volunteers steps up to stuff envelopes and seal them with care. This process is made easier, thanks to The Community Connection group from FamilyMeans who puts the stamps on the envelopes ahead of time.
This Valentine’s Day season, volunteers packed nearly 550 envelopes containing almost 3,000 cards. Each envelope was mailed in time to arrive by Valentine’s Day, reaching older adults across Minnesota with a tangible reminder that someone took time just for them.
Reaching Older Adults Across Minnesota
This year, Valentine’s cards were mailed to older adults in more than 120 communities across Minnesota, including:
Alameda, Alexandria, Altoona, Andover, Anoka, Apple Valley, Arden Hills, Bethel, Big Lake, Blaine, Bloomington, Blue Earth, Brainerd, Brooklyn Center, Buffalo, Burnsville, Cannon Falls, Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, Chisago City, Circle Pines, Cokato, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Cottage Grove, Courtland, Crystal, Duluth, Eau Claire, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Excelsior, Fairchild, Falcon Heights, Faribault, Farmington, Foley, Fridley, Glyndon, Golden Valley, Grand Rapids, Ham Lake, Hampton, Harris, Hastings, Hopkins, Inver Grove Heights, Isanti, Jamaica, La Mesa, Lake Elmo, Lakeville, Landfall, Leroy, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Mahtomedi, Mankato, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Medina, Menahga, Menasha, Mendota Heights, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Monticello, Moorhead, Mora, Mound, Mounds View, New Brighton, New Hope, New Prague, North Branch, North Mankato, North Saint Paul, Oak Grove, Oak Park, Oak Park Heights, Oakdale, Osceola, Otsego, Owatonna, Park Rapids, Parkers Prairie, Paynesville, Pierz, Pine City, Plymouth, Princeton, Prior Lake, Ramsey, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Rochester, Rosemount, Roseville, Saint Anthony, Saint Cloud, Saint Louis Park, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Sauk Rapids, Shoreview, Sleepy Eye, South Saint Paul, Spring Lake Park, Springbrook, Stillwater, Taylors Falls, Troy, Vadnais Heights, Vernal, Waseca, Webster, West Saint Paul, White Bear Lake, Wilmington, Winona, Woodbury, Zimmerman.
Supporting older adults in MN isn’t always about grand gestures. Often, it’s about showing up consistently in small, human ways, and trusting that those moments matter.
Why a Simple Card Can Mean So Much
Social isolation and loneliness can have serious effects on health and well-being for people of every age.
A handwritten card may seem simple, but its impact can linger.
Many older adults tell us they keep their cards on display long after the season ends; on kitchen tables, bulletin boards, or bedside stands. A reminder that they are remembered.
Cards Connect works because it honors dignity, creativity, and belonging. It reminds older adults that they are a part of the story in a beautiful way.
How You Can Be Part of It
If this speaks to you, there are two easy ways to get involved.
If you enjoy creating something by hand, consider joining Cards Connect. The program runs four times a year, and volunteers across the U.S. are always welcome to help make cards. In addition to creating cards, volunteers in Minnesota are welcome to help us sort cards and prepare mailings. It’s a meaningful way to experience volunteering while making a direct impact.
And if you know an older adult (62+), living in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, who would appreciate receiving day-brightening cards in the mail four times a year, invite them to sign up through our website. A few moments of your time can turn into months of meaningful connection for someone else. They can sign up here: FriendsCo.org/Cards-Connect/
This Valentine’s Day, Friends & Co is grateful for every volunteer, every card, and every message sent across Minnesota reminding older adults of one simple truth:
You matter. 💌
About Friends & Co
At Friends & Co, our mission is simple: to help older adults feel connected and cared for. Together with volunteers, community partners, and supporters, we’re building a Minnesota where no one ages alone. Learn more at FriendsCo.org.
