Chambana Sun

State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) wants to share the love this Valentine’s Day season.

“Now accepting Valentine's Day cards for residents of long-term care facilities,” Bennett recently posted on Facebook. “Older adults, especially those who may live far from family, need a chance to connect with others. One simple card can deliver so much power.”

Bennett’s plan calls Illinoisans of all ages to donate homemade or store-bought Valentines to long-term care facilities across Vermilion County that will be handed out to long-term care residents.

“Life is still very isolated and sending a special Valentine to someone living in a long-term care facility is a wonderful gesture that is sure to put a smile on their face,” Bennett said in a press release. “Please consider taking a few minutes to create a Valentine’s Day card with a personal message to spread love to these folks.”

The collection of Valentine’s Day cards will run through Feb. 10, and Bennett is encouraging local churches, schools and community members to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to his district office. Among the care facilities where the cards will be dropped off are Arcadia Care, Cannon Place-Veterans Affairs campus and Gardenview Manor.

Those wishing to participate can also drop off cards in the collection box outside Bennett’s Danville office or mail them to:

State Senator Scott Bennett

201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323

Danville, IL 61832

Bennett also recently hosted a collection drive to benefit the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign.

“Organizations like the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen continue to need our support during these challenging times,” Bennett said in a separate release. “I’m spearheading this hygiene product drive to help replenish the stock at the soup kitchen and ensure no one goes without proper hygiene products during the winter months.”

Among the new hygiene products Bennett’s office collected were deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, hand lotion, hand warmers, Chapstick, gloves, hats, socks, scarves and small treats.