After a long New England winter marked by weeks of bitter cold and plenty of snow, workers at Unitil recently teamed up to spread some springtime cheer by creating handmade greeting cards with uplifting messages for residents at senior living facilities across the region.
Over the past several weeks, employees came together for a “Spring Into Kindness” campaign at the utility’s locations in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The goal of the initiative was to bring a little joy to area seniors by writing short, heartfelt messages in hundreds of greeting cards and then delivering them along with some chocolates to seniors in nearby nursing homes.
“We thought we were delivering kindness to our local seniors, but in many ways, they gave something back to us, too. The warmth, gratitude, and connection we experienced during these deliveries truly touched our employees and reminded us how powerful small acts of kindness can be,” said Kristen Anderson, Unitil’s community engagement professional who organized the card campaign and participated in some of the deliveries.
Shawnn Vaillant, manager of Electric Operations in Unitil’s Concord, N.H., service territory, joined two line crews who delivered cards to a local nursing home. He said the lineworkers enjoyed meeting with the residents and sharing conversations with them.
“We wanted to provide a couple line trucks with some staff to change up their day-to-day routine and brighten things up with some words of encouragement for some of these residents,” he said.
Studies have shown that simple gestures and social interactions are especially beneficial to older adults who may be more likely to experience loneliness and isolation. Efforts like providing a simple handmade card, paying a visit and conversing with a senior citizen can make a meaningful difference.
“This campaign reminded all of us about the importance of taking some time to share those little moments because we know they can have a big impact. We hope the recipients of these cards felt remembered and supported by their community,” said Unitil External Affairs Manager Amanda Vicinanzo.
