In a bright corner of the Green Hills Public Library known as “The Hangout,” 18 teenagers gathered last month with markers, cardstock and a simple goal: let someone know they are not alone.
The teens were participating in Cupid Crew, a nationwide initiative organized by AARP to combat loneliness among older adults through handmade Valentine’s Day cards. The effort was part of the library’s regularly scheduled Teen Volunteer Time program, led by Youth Services Librarian Emily Meszaros.
Meszaros said the project felt like a natural fit with the library’s mission.
“Here at Green Hills Public Library, our mission is to connect the community with information and experiences to inspire lifelong learning,” she said. “We serve people from age 1 to 101, and through our programming we have a unique ability to foster intergenerational connection.”
The volunteer session took place Jan. 28 in the library’s dedicated teen space. Each participant created 10 cards, resulting in 180 handwritten messages that will be delivered Feb. 11 to seniors attending a Senior Bingo event at the Hickory Hills Community Center and to members of the 39ers Group at the Palos Hills Community Center.
The cards featured colorful designs and personalized notes. Some teens included inspirational quotes, while others wrote friendly messages offering encouragement and companionship.
“I had been reading a lot lately about the loneliness epidemic that many people are experiencing now, especially since the pandemic,” Meszaros said. “One in three older adults feels lonely, and I thought that by enlisting help from a few of our local teens, we could change that. It just felt like the perfect fit.”
Now in its 13th year, Cupid Crew has delivered more than 1 million cards to seniors nationwide. The program aims to remind older adults that they are valued and remembered, particularly around holidays that can heighten feelings of isolation.
Meszaros said the impact extends beyond the recipients.
“I love the idea of giving teens a space of their own to connect with one another and also give back to their community,” she said. “Valentine’s Day can be an isolating event for many, and this project says, ‘I’m thinking of you.’”
Teen Volunteer Time is open to ages 13 to 17 and continues throughout the spring, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Feb. 18, March 11 and April 8. Details and registration information are available at greenhillslibrary.org.
