SOUTH DEERFIELD — Holding a rose in one hand and a box of chocolates in the other, South Deerfield resident Matthew Jakutowicz said this — the community coming together to spread a little love — is exactly what we need right now.
“These people, in this extreme weather, they go out of their way to share love,” Jakutowicz said, standing outside the South County Senior Center Friday morning. “They’re showing togetherness. That’s what we need right now.”
In addition to the weekday meal pickup on Friday, the Senior Center on North Main Street offered each senior a rose, while the South County TRIAD — a partnership between law enforcement, community organizations and seniors that aims to support and protect the senior community — provided chocolates and cookies.
Jakutowicz said it’s moments where the community can come together that are helpful for mental well-being during the pandemic, when human contact is so limited.
“I’m very, very surprised that they go to all this effort,” Jakutowicz said.
The idea was to spread a little happiness, explained Sharyn Paciorek, president of South County TRIAD.
“There’s been so many seniors shut in, and we wanted to spread some happiness to them,” she said. “We thought we would hand out Valentine’s Day chocolates.”
The individually-wrapped cookies were donated by Pam Bensen, she added.
“I think with this COVID thing … and so much anxiety going on, and so much drama trying to get (vaccines) … I decided that the TRIAD team would step up to plate,” Paciorek said.
Senior Center Director Christina Johnson said the flowers were purchased from LaSalle Florists in Whately. Echoing Paciorek, Johnson said she knows everyone is stressed about finding and registering for vaccines.
“We can’t do anything inside; it’s too cold to do things outside,” she said. “So we try to do little things like this, when we can, to brighten up someone’s day a little.”
State Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland, also stopped by to visit with staff and to say hello to the residents who came by to pick up their meal and Valentine’s Day treat.
“What they’re doing is incredible, just in terms of having a friendly face for folks,” Blais said. “All of us are struggling in the middle of winter with COVID. Even though you can’t see our smiles, it does bring joy and love on Valentine’s Day.”
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne