Delivery of Love this Valentine’s Day

A special gift, filled with the love of a community, the heart of a small business, and the passion of employees, will be delivered to residents of Heritage Manor Health Center in Chisholm this Valentine’s Day.

Within 48 hours of the start of “Adopt a Resident” Valentine’s event all residents were adopted and will each receive a beautiful floral arrangement, designed by Mary’s Lake Street Floral of Chisholm, for Valentine’s Day.

“We hope our residents feel the outpouring of love and support from our families, friends, and community during this uncertain time and to know that they are thought of each and every day,” said Tina Janezich, activity director / HR specialist at Heritage Manor.

During a recent marketing meeting, Janezich got the idea to deliver joy in the form of flowers from a facility in southern Minnesota that had done a similar event around Christmas.

“I really wanted to do something special for our residents since COVID has restricted their physical connection with family members and friends and thought this was the perfect way to spread some love throughout our facility and brighten their day,” said Janezich.

“I knew immediately I wanted to team up with Mary (Pogorelc) from Mary’s Lake Street Floral here in Chisholm, but I was unsure if Mary would be able to pull something like this off so close to the holiday, as I know this is a busy time of year for floral shops,” she explained.

However, as soon as Janezich called Pogorelc and shared this idea, she loved it and wanted to collaborate.

For Pogorelc, it means a lot to be part this event and to help bring smiles to people in the community. “When Tina contacted me about this I loved the idea,” said Pogorelc, owner / designer of Lake Street Floral.

Pogorelc wanted to do this because of the impact she knew it could have. She shared a story from a couple years ago when her granddaughters were visiting. They wanted to do something nice, so they created little bouquets and hand delivered them to residents of Guardian Angels of Hibbing where their grandpa is a resident.

“It brought so many smiles and hugs for my granddaughters,” said Pogorelc. “I jumped at this opportunity, knowing how a small gesture could make someone so happy, especially now.”

Another heartwarming aspect is the amazing support from community members who purchased the arrangements to be sent to residents.

After the duo talked about the vision and costs, Pogorelc set up a system for those who wanted to share love this February to call and donate.

Janezich wanted to get the information out on Facebook as soon as possible so they would have adequate time to share this event with families and the community, so she posted as soon as the system was in place.

“By that evening, we had close to 100 shares and over 10,000 views,” said Janezich. “I am just so grateful for the heartwarming support we have received.”

Janezich feels it’s extremely important to give back and support each other. “It’s imperative that we bridge a connection between our residents and the community, especially during these difficult and uncertain times,” she said.

Pogorelc shared similar sentiments. “ (I) would love to do this more during the year,” she said. “It’s very well received by residents.”*

Written by MelissaCox2009@yahoo.con.