A staff report
This Valentine’s Day, the community of Bladen County came together to ensure that its elders felt the warmth of love and appreciation. Spearheaded by the Bladen County Public Library staff, weeks of effort culminated in a heartwarming display of generosity and kindness.The initiative began with a simple call to action: to make Valentine’s Day special for the nursing home residents in Bladen County. The response was overwhelming. Individuals from all walks of life contributed by crafting handmade cards and purchasing stuffed animals. Notable contributors included Mrs. Davis’ students, the Betas, and cheerleaders of Bladenboro Middle School, the Lake Church Sisters in Christ, and the Tar Heel Baptist Youth. Additionally, the library received support from the NC Queen of Hope Mini Elite, Maggie Beasley, Library patron Evelyn Parrish, and Miss Dublin Peanut Festival Ambassador, Sinia Colville.Branch Manager Kim Wilson ensured that the Bridger Memorial Public Library became a generous hub, providing supplies for those eager to create heartfelt cards for the recipients. The outpouring of support didn’t stop there. The library staff extended their gratitude to all the schools, churches, organizations, pageant queens, and citizens of Bladen who contributed their time and resources to the cause. In a statement released by the Bladen County Public Library staff, they expressed their gratitude, saying, “Our hearts are so full as we take in all the adorable, thoughtful donations we have collected over the last week or two. We asked, and boy, did Bladen County deliver!!! Thank you SO much to all the schools, churches, organizations, pageant queens, and citizens of Bladen who so generously donated their time and money to this worthy cause.” The joyous occasion was marked by the distribution of gifts to three nursing homes, five family care homes, and Bladen Opportunities Unlimited. As the gifts were distributed, the staff wished happiness to the residents, saying, “Happy Valentine’s Day to all our local nursing home residents. We hope that these small tokens of love and gratitude brighten your day and the days to come!” This act of collective kindness serves as a reminder of the power of community and compassion. Through small gestures of love, Bladen County came together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its elders, spreading joy and warmth on Valentine’s Day and beyond.