Meals On Wheels Central Texas Clients Bask In Afterglow Of St. Valentine's Day

EAST AUSTIN, TX — Yes, we realize St. Valentine's Day has passed. But there's a story of love that emerged in the days leading up to it that's worth sharing, if only because we could all use a bit of good news lately.

As KXAN reported, dozens of volunteers gathered this past Sunday at the Motion Media Arts Center museum/art gallery at 1646 E. Cesar Chavez St. in East Austin to craft special cards forSt. Valentine's Day — not for their own sweethearts but to Meals on Wheels clients who often feel neglected and overlooked being confined to their homes.

The Austin School of Film partnered with Meals on Wheels Central Texas for the “Love Letters: DIY Card Making Drive” event, and volunteers came armed and ready — with glitter, lace, paint and stickers to spread a little cheer to their beloved shut-ins.

“All of the cards that we create today will actually go out with all the meals on Valentine’s Day,” Faiza Kracheni, education and programs director for the Motion Media Arts Center, told the news station. The "Love Letters" project is a national undertaking, but the effort marked the first time Motion Media Arts Center participated, she said.

"Sending you lots of love," read one of the special cards. "Happy Valentine's Day," read another. "You are loved." The love was expressed bilingually, also en español: " ¡Feliz Dia de San Valentin!" And in the universal language of puns, with one card reading "You're grate!" accompanied by a sketch of a cheese grater.

Meals on Wheels Central Texas officials were touched by the artistic show of affection, along with the community the organization serves. "So much love for our clients!" officials wrote on their Facebook page. "Thank you to all who hand made these sweet Valentine's that will be delivered today with meals."

According to its website, Meals on Wheels Central Texas delivers 3,000 meals each weekday, 90 percent of which are delivered by volunteers.

>>> Read the full story at KXAN

Image via WikiMedia Commons