Move Over Cupid, There's a New Way to Show Some Love

Editor's note: Writer Margot Ferron coordinated this activity with Meals on Wheels and the Lion's Heart service club.

While many kids are making cards and crafts to impress their classmates, Lion's Heart teens decided to bake their way into the hearts of many homebound seniors in Mission Viejo. They made cookies and cards to add a little something extra to go in the meals delivered by Meals on Wheels in Mission Viejo.

“It’s not about the cookies, it is more about showing these seniors how much we care, support and love them,”  Maya and Yuri Hanaoka agreed. They also made Valentines cards for each senior.

The greetings on the cards made by the 14-year-old boys are sweet, some are “Eat lots of cookies," "Go for the Chocolate," "Have a Vivid Valentine’s Day" and "Eat Cake, it is Good.”  They were signed- “great love & passion, your secret admirer, your one & only cupid, the Lion’s ole Heart and Love, Me (I Love you For Real!)”

Valentine’s Day can be one of the loneliest days for any of us, but for many seniors who have outlived their spouses and loved ones it can be even more emotionally devastating.

“For homebound seniors who can’t get out for dinner or parties in a senior residence, Meals on Wheels drivers may be the only person they see all day,” said Shelli Mire, Assistant Site Manager, Home Delivered Meals.

Lion's Heart is a community service organization for both boys and girls in 6th through 12th grade.  Each group elects their own officers that lead meetings and decide how to serve the community.  Lion’s Heart is the symbol of a strong heart for giving in Orange County and nationally. 

Some of the projects the organization has been involved with include blood drives, book collections, beach cleanups and assisting teachers tutoring students in classrooms for free. 

This is not the first time they have worked with Ferron.  More than 100 members volunteered with Ferron, who spearheaded in July 2011 to raise $10,000 for the devastated city that was hit by an EF5 tornado on May 22, 2011.

“Members of Lions Heart in Mission Viejo and the Rancho Santa Margarita area have eagerly volunteered more than 75,650 hours to the community,” according to Terry Corwin, co-founder.

For more information about Lion’s Heart go to www.lionsheartservice.org.  To support your local, Mission Viejo Age Well-Meals on Wheels Program, you can go to the , 24932 Veterans Way, MV, 92692 or call 949/470-3062.

Together we can give our seniors the quality of life they deserve. Cupid has a bow & arrow, but look out! The Lion’s Heart truly showed they have strong hearts.