Lovelighters share the love for Valentine's Day

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Lovelighters shared the love at their luncheon, Tuesday, February 2, by making and sharing Valentines. Valentine-making materials were provided by Carolyn Gerken, the founder and director of A-Plus Caring, Community, & Compassion, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Montgomery County.

Members of the Lovelighters organization made and exchanged Valentines at their semi-monthly luncheon, compliments of Carolyn Gerken, founder and director of A-Plus Caring, Community & Compassion, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Montgomery County, that focuses on segments of the population that the community often loses focus of.

Valentine materials were provided by A-Plus C3, and every member present received a box of chocolates.

"The members didn't need any enticing. The moment I put out the materials and told them about the project, they lined up immediately," said Gerken. "I can't believe it. We had 100 percent participation!"

Many of the members harkened back to when they made Valentines in school and exchanged them, which is exactly what they did at the luncheon. Carolyn Gerken collected the handmade Valentines, shuffled them up, and re-distributed them.

"It was a great way for members to connect with those they didn't know very well, and everyone went home with a Valentine," added Gerken.

The Lovelighters welcome seniors throughout the community to their semi-monthly socials, held the first and third Tuesday of the month at St. Simon & Jude Catholic Church centrally located in The Woodlands at 26777 Glen Loch Drive. All religious denominations are welcomed. The first Tuesday includes a hot lunch, followed by Bingo, for a nominal sum. To defer the cost of the event, the third Tuesday, seniors bring their lunch.

Bingo prizes donated by area grocery stores include non-perishable food items, breads, and pastries, providing an additional savings for the seniors.

Community activist, Rich Jakovac, ardently promotes the organization for the benefit of lonely seniors in the community.

“I brought my mother here for years,” said Rich Jakovac, former director for The Woodlands Community Association. “They use to fill this room with over a hundred people. The numbers have dwindled to about thirty attendees on average.”

Tuesday’s event had thirty-eight in attendance, and although Jakovac said there’s some attrition due to age, many can't attend because they can no longer drive. Volunteers are desperately needed to get homebound seniors to and from the twice-a-month socials.

“Socialization is so important, when you can no longer drive,” said Gerken, who is not only a licensed CNA, but also has certifications for senior-related issues, including Alzheimer’s. “Events like the Lovelighters not only encourages mobility, it wards off depression,” she added.

For more information about the Lovelighters see the following related links:

#GivingTuesday celebrated in a giving way with seniors in the community

Where the love light gleams...Lovelighters meeting for socialization, lunch, and of course, bingo.

For more information about A-Plus Caring, Community & Compassion, visit and ‘Like' their A-Plus Caring, Community & Compassion Facebook page.

See more photos in the photo gallery link provided.

#Lovelighters #APlusCaringCommunityCompassion

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