Council Bluffs Assisted Living Receives Hundreds of Valentine's Cards After Facebook Plea

A simple social media request resulted in an outpouring of kindness for the residents of The Heritage at Fox Run.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A Facebook post by The Heritage at Fox Run assisted living facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa, asking for Valentine's Day cards for its 20 residents has resulted in hundreds of greetings arriving from across the country and even beyond. The emotional impact of the response has been profound, with the facility describing 'hordes of Valentines' arriving daily.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing trend of using social media to combat social isolation among seniors, a significant public health issue. The ease of sharing and viral potential of platforms like Facebook allow assisted living facilities and senior centers to directly engage the broader community and facilitate connections.

The details

What began as a simple request for Valentine's Day cards has blossomed into an extraordinary outpouring of kindness. The Heritage at Fox Run facility noted cards arriving from states like Louisiana, Colorado, and Texas, demonstrating a powerful desire within the community to support elderly individuals. This isn't an isolated incident, as assisted living facilities are increasingly leveraging social media to share resident stories, announce events, and solicit community involvement.

  • The Facebook post was made by The Heritage at Fox Run on February 1, 2026.

The players

The Heritage at Fox Run

An assisted living facility located in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Molly George

A representative from The Heritage at Fox Run who noted the emotional impact of the community response.

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What they’re saying

“Hordes of Valentines" have been arriving daily at The Heritage at Fox Run.”

— Molly George, Representative, The Heritage at Fox Run

What’s next

The Heritage at Fox Run is exploring various strategies to sustain community engagement beyond the Valentine's Day card drive, including virtual visits, online activity groups, intergenerational programs, and digital storytelling.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of social media to bridge the gap between generations and combat senior isolation. It also highlights the importance of simple gestures, like handwritten notes, in making a profound impact on those feeling lonely or forgotten. The unexpected response underscores the broader community's desire to support elderly individuals when given the opportunity.