Valentine’s Day celebrated across Licking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Friday was a day of hearts in Licking, as balloons, candy and stuffed animals were delivered to 40 residents at Hickory Manor and 18 residents at Licking Residential Care. Each facility also held their own coronation ceremony for their Valentine King and Queen.

Teresa Countryman and Shyla Cox, at Family Dollar/Dollar Tree in Licking, were busy collecting balloons and candy for the residents in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. Their customers were so generous that each resident received two balloons and two candies. Allie Connelly, of St. Louis, saw the article about their “Have a Heart, Give a Heart” campaign and contacted the store. She donated enough for each of the residents to also receive a stuffed animal.

“After seeing the article online for a collection of donations, I had to reach out from two hours away,” Connelly said. “Being alone or feeling forgotten about on any day is a terrible feeling but on Valentine’s Day it’s almost unacceptable in my book. Today I can say I have over 50 Valentines; and to all my new Valentines of Hickory Manor and Licking Residential, have a Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Hickory Manor crowned Charles Poole as their Valentine King, and Vicki Huskins as their Valentine Queen.

Licking Residential Care Valentine King was Sonny Lonning and the Valentine Queen was Vi Bailie. A fundraiser was held where people could donate to vote for their king and queen, and $218.05 was raised for the residents’ activity fund.