Drop boxes left at local businesses for the Four Hearts Foundation to pickup and deliver around our island!

The Four Hearts Foundation is brightening the lives of seniors this Valentine’s Day. They’ve recently collected handmade cards to deliver to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care units across Aquidneck Island.

Kateri Buerman, who runs the foundation and spearheaded this mission, shares that she is o blown away by the level of community involvement. “This is just a small way that we can spread some love and smiles around our community . We love that along the way we are hopefully teaching children they can make a difference with their actions and they should always try,” she says.

To make it easy for people to contribute, the foundation had set up drop boxes at Grafik Coffee, Island Art Spot, and Newport Indoor Golf. Local schools, toddler groups, and even college students joined in, with the Roger Williams Sailing Team pitching in as well.

Members of the Roger Williams Sailing Team teamed up to spread love and make cards for the Four Hearts Foundation!

This card drive marks a new direction for the Four Hearts Foundation. After opening a playground last June, they’ve shifted their focus from inclusive play to improving life for Aquidneck Island residents in general.

Buerman quickly points out that this project’s success depended on teamwork. “It would not be possible without our wonderful community and community partners and we are so thankful for you all. Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day,” she says.

Miss Jen of Island Art Spot hosted an afternoon card making community class!

Want to learn more about the Four Hearts Foundation? Check out their website at www.fourheartsfoundation.com or email Kateri at FourHeartsFoundation4@gmail.com.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...