CHEERFUL MESSAGES

With the onset of the novel coronavirus outbreak, we're asking the community to write and color letters for seniors and other at-risk residents who are isolated in area nursing homes, assisted living centers, and hospitals to brighten their day.

"We're trying to reach out to them and say, 'You are loved, and we haven't forgotten about you,'" FWPD Detective Josh Hartup said. “To date, we’ve given Cheerful Messages to more than 2,100 people at more than 23 locations! It’s a great show of community support.”

Artistic ability is not a requirement! Any type of artwork, letter, or card (even if it's an old card that you had in your drawer) will help. Get it out, write just a quick note, draw or craft a picture, and share some positivity and connection during these times of isolation. Sheltering in place is a perfect time to create a Cheerful Message, place your cards and letters in non-sealed envelops, then drop off when it's safe to travel at one of the locations noted below.

All letters will be held for 96 hours before they will be delivered to local facilities to mitigate the contamination of the virus. It's never too late to take part and help someone with a friendly hello.

Drop-off locations:

• Fort Wayne Police Station, Desk Lobby — 24hrs/day — Use entrance off the parking garage. 1 East Main Street – Rousseau Building - Downtown Fort Wayne

• Mustard Seed Furniture Bank — 24hrs/day — Under the sign at the front of their building. 3636 Illinois Road – SW Fort Wayne

• St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church (not school) — 9 am to 5 pm — Inside the back (west) double door. 1502 East Wallen Road – NW Fort Wayne

• Birdies Bar & Grill in Canterbury Green — 24hrs/day — 2727 Canterbury Blvd.

Contact us for pick-up or with any Questions: info@gunsnhosesfw.org

APPRECIATION GIFT CARDS

Thanks to a very generous donation from CUSTOM MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS, we are sharing our collective gratitude to the Environmental Service heroes in our hospitals and nursing homes who are keeping these operations open and sanitized during the COVID-19 crisis. In partnership with several local restaurants, we are able to "pay it forward" with over 700 Appreciation Gift Cards for $20 each to let these brave men and women enjoy a free meal.

If you'd like to contribute to the Appreciation Gift Cards initiative, make your tax-deductible cash donation using the DONATE button below, and we will take care of getting the Gift Cards to those who deserve an extra "Thank You" for their work.