Hand-crafted valentines were delivered to nearly 2,500 older adults in the community.

Special guests US Congressman David Price, NC Representative Verla Insko, Chapel Hill Town Council member Gene Pease and Durham City Council member Mike Woodard showed their support for AHH by participating in kick-off celebrations and deliveries.

The event kicked off with a show at Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill.  Student a capella groups including the Loreleis and the Achordants from UNC-Chapel Hill and the Duke University Chorale, shared the stage to sing love ballads to attendees.

Presentations were made to three residents of Carol Woods Retirement Community.  These residents had reached the 100-year milestone, and one couple in the audience had been married for more than 50 years.

Following the show, the organization delivered roses, valentines and serenades throughout Chapel Hill, Durham and surrounding counties. This year’s community-wide outreach involved volunteers from 61 organizations including faith communities, campus clubs and civic organizations.

Valentine Delivery and Serenade is the organization’s signature event. It started in 2001 when AHH decided to surprise its 63 clients with hand-crafted valentines and a single red rose to remind them of how much they were loved and appreciated. This year, nearly 2,500 individuals received more than 4,300 hand-crafted cards. Because of the generosity of so many volunteers, AHH not only made deliveries to its clients, but also brought valentines to seniors in retirement facilities, hospitals, assisted living communities and nursing homes.

AHH is looking for volunteers for the 2012 Valentine Delivery and Serenade program. If you’re interested in getting involved, send an email to valentinedelivery@ahelpinghandnc.org.