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Even with gathering restrictions still present, the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office found a creative way to safely share some love for Valentine’s Day.

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office made a special delivery to Autumn Care of Suffolk on Feb. 12. The sheriff, along with a few of his deputies, made window visits to the residents and dropped off homemade Valentine’s Day cards in hopes to lift the spirits of those who could not be with loved ones for the holiday.

The elementary students at Suffolk Christian Academy made the cards. Students from preschool through sixth grade made 110 heart-shaped cards for the Sheriff’s Office to deliver with messages reminding the residents that they are loved.

“Suffolk Christian Academy was so excited to be a part of this project,” said Katie Jones, the community engagement coordinator for Suffolk Sheriff’s Office. “The kids did a really great job and were excited to share their talents and love with the community.”

Before the pandemic, the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office would regularly visit the residents at Autumn Care for games of bingo and other activities. It would provide visits and interactions that some nursing home residents would not get otherwise. Once COVID-19 made in-person visits no longer safe, the Sheriff’s Office had to get creative.

During Veteran’s Day, the Sheriff’s Office provided 12 veterans with Little Caesars pizza, a Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Challenge Coin and a note of appreciation from Sheriff Harris for their service. For Christmas, the deputies delivered gifts of toiletry items, socks, puzzles and other goodies as Santa came to wave to residents through their window. Now the residents also have valentines to remind them that not even COVID-19 restrictions can stop the community from coming together to support each other.

“We pray this brings smiles and hope to those who receive these cards,” said Jones.