550 Handwritten Valentines, Flowers Delivered To Hospital Workers

ELGIN, IL — More than 550 handmade Valentine's Day cards and fresh flowers were delivered to frontline healthcare workers at Advocate Sherman Hospital on Monday to thank them for their hard work.

The surprise was made possible through the work of Reps. Anna Moeller and Suzanne Ness who organized the valentine collection, which included handwritten notes from students and community members.

“Valentine’s cards from local kids are a wonderful surprise for the men and women who have given so much to our community,” Ness said. “Parents are, I am sure, acutely aware of the extensive contributions healthcare workers made to our communities during the recent pandemic. Simple, but touching gestures like a Valentine card can go a long way towards showing our appreciation.”

Frontline healthcare workers at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin got to peruse hundreds of cards and take one, along with a fresh flower, Monday.

“It’s wonderful to see the community come together to show love and appreciation for our healthcare workers,” said Sheri De Shazo, president at Advocate Sherman Hospital. “These heartfelt notes and vibrant flowers provide a tangible reminder to our teammates that their dedication and compassionate care are valued."

Ness and Moeller organized the valentine collection at the district offices of Moeller and Ness, Taylor Family Branch YMCA, Gail Borden Public Library, Fox River Public Library, Algonquin Area Public Library, Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township and local schools.

“I am happy to be a part of this event for the second year in a row,” Moeller said. “The last couple years have been incredibly challenging, especially for those who work so hard to protect us and keep us healthy. An event like this allows the community to show their profound appreciation and recognizes the hard-working healthcare workers who serve us. We’re happy to show some love and leave a positive impact on Valentine’s Day.”