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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Many area senior citizens are able to live and function mostly independently. Utilizing senior services to help with meals and groceries helps to take one burden off of their plate, and gives them a time to socialize and connect through the week. With social distancing and heavy mandates in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the staff at United Way of Southwest Michigan realized that there was a population of senior citizens who were no longer able to get out of their homes the way they were used to.

A letter writing campaign idea came to the United Way of Southwest Michigan as a way to connect with people no longer able to get out of the house. Operation COVID Cheers was born out of a desire to get in touch with senior citizens who were already receiving services from places like the Greater Niles Senior Center. The United Way of Southwest Michigan is inviting the public to send cards, letters and artwork so that staff can distribute the pieces to the senior population that they continue to serve through this time.

“A lot of times, they’re able to get out and about on their own at their own pace,” said Debbie Ramirez, volunteer engagement director with the United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Since none of us are supposed to do that, they certainly are not on their own.”

The social isolation can take its toll on this population, according to Ramirez, especially if seniors were already taking limited trips outside of the house before the precautious restrictions.

Due to the mandates, volunteering has slowed, and without the ability to safely gather, seniors are missing out on meals that they would share with others.

“They’re in those high-risk populations,” Ramirez said. “They’re being even more careful.”

Ramirez said without the ability to be contact with them more, the United Way of Southwest Michigan looked for a way to safely reach out.

“This is a way for people to be able to spread some cheer, to feel like they’re volunteering and helping someone,” Ramirez said. “To really cheer up the people who are feeling lonely.”

Ramirez said everyone can take part in the cause. As children are home right now due to school closures, they can be included in the effort, too, she said.

“Parents are home. All these kids are home,” Ramirez said. “It takes nothing to write a little letter or draw a picture for ‘art class,’ and send it off to the senior center and let them take care of dispersing it to the individuals they serve.”

The United Way of Southwest Michigan has heard some concerns voiced about the safety of distributing the cards to seniors, but Ramirez reassured the public that their workers and volunteers are taking the necessary precautions, and letters will be sitting at the center for a day or two before they are brought back out.

“The act that [volunteers, workers] are able to hand this is not adding any additional risk. They’re still taking the necessary precautions,” she said.

Anyone who would like to participate in Operation COVID Cheer can send their cards and artwork to: Operation COVID Cheer, attn: Jennifer Krueger, Greater Niles Senior Center, 1109 Bell Road, Niles, MI 49120.