Each Valentine’s Day, tens of thousands of people receive roses and personalized cards from a legion of volunteers called "Cupid Crew." These volunteers are part of AARP’s affiliate, Wish of a Lifetime, a nonprofit organization that grants life-changing wishes to older adults. Cupid Crew operates nationwide, aiming to transform Valentine’s Day into a national opportunity to spread love and kindness.
Loneliness is a pervasive problem in the U.S. and worldwide. A 2020 report found that more than one-third of American adults age 45+ reported feeling lonely and one in four are considered socially isolated. Older adults are more likely to have lost family members and friends, live alone, and face issues such as hearing loss, which can make socializing difficult.
Cupid Crew began 11 years ago as a response to these issues. The initiative started with an idea and a few hundred volunteers, says Jared Bloomfield, Wish of a Lifetime’s Director of National Field Operations. The Cupid Crew team hoped that delivering roses to people experiencing loneliness might lift their spirits.
“Since then, the program has really taken off,” Bloomfield says. “This year, we will deliver more than 150,000 roses. Volunteers will also download cards, decorate them, and deliver them.”
Bloomfield estimates that, over the years, as many as 40,000 volunteers have been involved in the effort. Laura Larson, a longtime volunteer with the initiative who makes cards with her husband and children each year, shared with AARP, "If we can take the time and reach out and make a connection, there's great power and value in that."
“Our volunteers are connecting with their own loved ones through this effort and also helping people in their community,” Bloomfield says.
Rose delivery opportunities are closed for 2024, but there are still endless opportunities for card-making and delivery. Volunteers can download card templates, follow instructions for local delivery, and work individually or together in creating cards with uplifting messages and fun designs.
"[It] is the best volunteer duty ever because you are giving joy and recognition to someone just for being," says Kirsten Cuthill, a Cupid Crew volunteer. "It truly brings joy, and people feel very appreciated and loved just for being themselves."
Once you’re signed up for Cupid Crew, you can opt to receive regular updates and opportunities. And the work makes a difference in people’s lives. According to Wish of a Lifetime research, 90% of those whose wishes have been granted report increases in their quality of life and community involvement.
“Granting a wish provides me a feeling of self-worth as I was somehow able to help this person accomplish what they wanted to do,” says Joe, a wish-granting volunteer. “It’s a sense of pride and compassion. I was proud to be able to say, ‘I am part of Wish of a Lifetime.’”
For more information on volunteering for Cupid Crew or other opportunities to be involved at Wish of a Lifetime, visit www.wishofalifetime.org.