SANFORD — Children from Sanford-Springvale YMCA youth programs braved the cold and snow February 15 and  to make Valentine’s Day a truly special occasion for local seniors in need. 

In partnership with the United Way of York County, children in Y Owls Preschool, Kids Out, and Y Interact Leaders Club programs collected fresh fruit and chocolate to create care baskets. Each care basket also contained a handmade Valentine’s Day card.

Children from the Sanford-Springvale YMCA spent a few hours “Spreading the Love to Seniors” by delivering handmade care packages to 30 local seniors within the York County community.

The USDA rates Maine as the number one state in New England for food insecurity. In York County alone, an estimated 3,392 seniors qualify as food insecure. 

“The lessons learned and the impact from this act of kindness were amazing, said Matt Ouellette, YMCA Youth and Family Services Director. “Some seniors were so happy they were brought to tears.” 

“We are excited to be able to offer the children in our programs quality life lessons that help them begin to understand the importance of social responsibility,”  Ouellette said. 

The Y Interact Leaders Club looks forward to their next community service project: supporting the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk by collecting canned and dry food for the animals in the shelter and then spending some time with them on delivery day.