Sharing Joy: Turpin Key Club Members Send Well-Wishes to Anderson Seniors

Senior adults in Anderson Township who may have had a difficult winter facing loneliness or ill health got a boost in recent weeks from local students. 

The Turpin High School Key Club, a service organization, sent more than 250 spring cards to seniors at two care facilities in Anderson Township. These followed the more than 700 cards sent to Anderson Senior Center members and residents at six care facilities around Valentine’s Day. 

Both the Valentine’s and spring cards were designed by six artists at the Anderson Senior Center, with students adding their own thoughts and good wishes. 

Anderson Senior Center Activities Manager Claire O’Connell noted that the center received many phone calls and notes thanking the center and the Key Club for the cards. 

Mt. Washington Care Center admissions and marketing director Ken Schroeder noted that the COVID-19 restrictions have left many elderly isolated. Residents were very emotional about receiving the cards, he said, and their days were brightened. 

Artist Mary Fleischman enjoyed participating in the outreach and said she was cheered “by the fact that that with just a brush stroke of paint could brought joy to so many.” 

As a Turpin Key Club special events coordinator, Sophia Nichols noted that  service and volunteering is the focus of the club all throughout the year. “This was a great way to support seniors in our community who have been through so much this year.”