Cold Weather Buddies Pen Pal Program Begins at SAGE Eldercare

SUMMIT, NJ — In an effort to help combat the loneliness and isolation older adults are experiencing during COVID-19 and the cold weather months, SAGE Eldercare partnered with fifth grade students at Lincoln Hubbard Elementary School to start a pen pal program with Meals on Wheels clients called Cold Weather Buddies. In the past, the school’s fifth graders visited SAGE every Spring to take part in the agency’s Sensitivity Training Program, which focuses on the challenges associated with aging.

Nina Tiger, Coordinator of SAGE’s Your Decisions Matter program, presented the idea to the school’s Principal, Matt Carlin and the PTO. A mother of two former Lincoln Hubbard School students, Tiger was hopeful the PTO would embrace the program, even with the stress of partial remote schooling. “The Meals on Wheels clients we work with have a lot to deal with, including food insecurity as well as physical and sometimes cognitive challenges. The pandemic has been extremely hard on these people as many live alone and are so isolated. We wanted to do something to help and let them know someone cares.”

The PTO loved the idea and jumped on it. Students were given a buddy’s first name and asked to write a letter, draw a picture or both telling a bit about themselves and their interests.

“Cold Weather Buddies is a great way for kids to learn about the challenges of older adults and how much their act of kindness means to these older people, especially those living alone,” said Helen Griffith, 5th Grade Chair at Lincoln-Hubbard Elementary School. “We are thrilled to be a part of this program. The fact that some of the Meals on Wheels clients are writing back is a wonderful bonus.”

For more information about how your school or organization can become a Cold Weather Buddy, please contact Nina Tiger at ntiger@sageeldercare.org or 908-598-5511.