Operation LOVE delivers valentines to veterans at The Vines Senior Homes
Symonds-Madison Funeral Home's Operation LOVE (Love Our Veterans Elgin) Network delivered valentines cards and gifts donated by the community to local veterans over Valentine's weekend.
"Our community showed up big for our local veterans, and it was our pleasure to deliver hundreds of valentines to veterans in our community," said Joy Symonds, founder of Operation LOVE. "Veterans need to know all year long how much we support them and appreciate their sacrifices."
Operation LOVE founder Joy Symonds, husband Daniel Symonds, children Emily and Vivienne Symonds, and volunteer Mandy Neitzel were able to deliver valentines in person to residents of The Vines Senior Homes in Elgin on Saturday, Feb. 13.
Operation LOVE Volunteers also delivered than more than 500 valentines for distribution to veterans at: Citadel Care Center, Oak Crest Residence, Avantara of Elgin, Advocate Sherman Hospital, Amita St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin American Legion Post 57, Sheridan at Tyler Creek, Elgin Police Department, Assisting Hands Home Care, Military Recruiters Office in Carpentersville, and Hearthstone Communities in Woodstock.
To be part of future volunteer projects like this, join Operation LOVE at www.Facebook.com/groups/operationlovenetwork.
Volunteer opportunities, fundraisers and local events hosted by veteran-focused nonprofits are shared in the group.
The Valentine drive follows Operation LOVE's first "Adopt-a-Veteran" gift drive in December, when volunteers delivered Christmas gifts to more than 50 local veterans.
Future opportunities include assisting with a memorial garden at a local nursing home and planning a Memorial Day event.
The "LOVE" in Operation LOVE stands for "Love Our Veterans Elgin." The mission of Operation LOVE is to honor "unclaimed" veterans at their funerals, connect volunteers with Elgin area veterans in need, and strengthen existing Elgin area veterans' service organizations by promoting their events, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers.
Local veterans organizations or businesses that serve Elgin-area veterans and have a need for volunteer support can contact Joy Symonds to get involved, (847) 741-1128.
As an Army Reservist-Owned Business, Symonds-Madison Funeral Home is a member of the national organization, VeteranOwnedBusiness.com, and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce.
At Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, they believe every funeral should be as special as the person it honors. It is a veteran- and family-owned funeral home that thrives on helping you create a final, heartfelt experience that exceeds your expectations.
Visit www.symondsmadison.com or follow www.facebook.com/symondsmadison.