GREAT FALLS — The Great Falls Mental Health Association, along with some other local non-profit organizations, came together on Saturday at the Columbus Center to give out some very special Valentine’s Day gifts.
The Mental Health Association partnered with Meals On Wheels to spread the love this Valentine’s Day weekend by giving senior citizens with a Valentine’s Day gift.
They were joined by volunteers from the National Guard and Malmstrom Air Force base to give out more than 200 gift bags.
“Our goal is to knock on the doors, give somebody a smile — well, we won’t be able to see a smile, but give somebody a nod and a ‘hello,’ so that people feel connected again,” said Julie Bass, a mental health counselor. “This has been a very long year for mental health.”
The gift bags were given to senior citizens in Great Falls who receive assistance from Meals On Wheels, an organization that delivers meals to the elderly that are unable to make their own meals.
The gift bags included a blanket, crossword puzzle book, some sweet treats, and a Valentine’s Day card.
The Great Falls Mental Health Association had between 60 to 80 volunteers sign up for the event, but says they are still in need of volunteers after the pandemic minimized their help efforts.
“We are definitely a member advocacy organization so we’re always welcoming new members,” said Board Secretary for the Mental Health Association, Rhonda Remsen. “Anybody who has a passion about reducing the stigma of mental illness is always welcome to join us.”
For more information on the Great Falls Mental Health Association and how to get involved, click here to visit their website.
