Loneliness among senior citizens is a growing concern, particularly for those living in care homes without regular visitors or strong social networks. Many seniors experience isolation, which can lead to emotional distress and a decline in mental and physical health. Recognizing this issue, three Steinbrenner High School freshmen—Manasvi Komaragiri, Ayati Kotha, and Renee Qiang—founded Shine for Seniors, an initiative dedicated to bringing warmth, companionship, and joy to elderly residents through thoughtful gestures like personalized cards, donations, and volunteer programs.
At the heart of Shine for Seniors is the belief that small acts of kindness can make a significant impact. The organization partners with senior care homes to deliver heartfelt messages in the form of greeting cards, organize donation drives, and provide in-person volunteer opportunities. These efforts not only bring moments of happiness to the seniors but also create meaningful bonds between different generations. One of their most recent projects involves crafting Valentine’s Day cards for the residents of Senior Angel Living. “We partnered with a couple of senior homes,” said Kotha. The students carefully designed and wrote personalized messages in each card, hoping to brighten the seniors’ day and remind them that they are valued and appreciated. Once
completed, the cards are delivered to the care home, where staff members distribute them to residents. For many seniors, these small tokens of affection are more than just paper and ink—they represent a connection to the outside world, a reminder that they are not forgotten. Beyond just writing cards, Shine for Seniors actively encourages other students to get involved. Through their Instagram page, they recruit volunteers and spread awareness about senior loneliness. By making the initiative accessible to others, they are fostering a
culture of empathy and service among their peers, demonstrating that even young people can make a meaningful difference in their community. Starting the initiative was not without challenges. “It was hard to start at first, just because at our school, no one really does something like this,” said Qiang. “But I think we were able to pull it off because teachers and other people kind of understood what we were trying to do.” Their dedication to the cause has allowed them to build relationships with local senior homes and establish a growing network of volunteers. For the founders, Shine for Seniors is more than just a project—it’s a passion. “I think it’s just kind of my creative outlet,” said Qiang. This mindset has enabled them to manage their responsibilities while remaining committed to their cause. Looking ahead, the team has ambitious plans for expansion. They are currently working on launching a website that will serve as a central hub for volunteer sign-ups, event
coordination, and outreach efforts. “We plan on making our website more available for more people to access, where we can easily get other people from other schools and just people around to sign up,” said Qiang. By creating an easily accessible platform, they hope to involve more students from other schools and broaden the reach of their mission. Additionally, they aim to establish chapters in other schools, enabling more young people to participate in bridging the generational gap and spreading kindness. “We really want to
help senior citizens,” said Komaragiri. In the long run, they hope to become a nonprofit organization, allowing them to scale their impact and secure more resources to support their initiatives. Loneliness among the elderly is a widespread yet often overlooked issue. Through their compassion, creativity, and determination, Manasvi, Ayati, and Renee are proving that even the simplest acts—like writing a heartfelt note—can bring immense joy. By fostering intergenerational connections, they are not only enriching the lives of seniors but also inspiring a new wave of young individuals to step up and make a difference. With every card they write and every smile they bring, Shine for Seniors continues to illuminate lives, one heartfelt gesture at a time.