Special ‘Send’ for 65+
Inspired by visits to nursing home, Lynch’s ‘Send Seniors Love’ is full-time; includes golf tourney Aug. 2
-
Weldon McBride of Farragut recently was a recipient of a Boxes of Love from Send Seniors Love. - Photo submitted
-
Ashley Lynch - Photo submitted
Ashley Lynch of Farragut is taking on Send Seniors Love full time and will be holding an inaugural Senior Seniors Love Golf Tournament Aug. 2, at The Club at Gettysvue, 9317 Linksvue Drive in West Knoxville.
Registration starts at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon and the shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost to participate is $100 per golfer and $400 per foursome, with proceeds benefiting Send Seniors Love.
Lynch, who has worked with seniors since 2018, founded Send Seniors Love in April 2020, arising out of COVID-19, to improve the quality of life for senior citizens.
Inspired by visits to her grandparents at their nursing home, she saw some people did not get visitors or interaction with people outside of the facility.
“It broke my heart,” Lynch said. “I couldn’t imagine not going to see my grandparents … I couldn’t imagine, during COVID, not being able to see anybody from the outside world and being locked in.”
The program started with individuals being invited to send cards or letters to seniors through Send Seniors Love.
“It has grown significantly since then,” Lynch said. “It’s a need. It’s something I’m very passionate about.”
While it has been “just a side gig,” she added, “Now I’m full speed ahead. It’s grown that much.
“What started in Knox County ended up around the globe, and now we have a new addition, Boxes of Love.”
When someone buys a box for a senior, Lynch’s volunteers fill it with an activity, a sugar-free treat, socks, skin care items and a handmade card filled out by the volunteers.
“The sponsored box can go to a loved one of their choosing or a senior in need,” she added.
Each box costs $35, which includes shipping.
“We want to keep the momentum going, and these boxes of love are something that is a need,” Lynch said. “There’s only going to be a greater need because the Baby Boomers are aging and starting to go into nursing homes. It’s a huge generation.”
To continue the program’s momentum, Lynch has organized the golf tournament to raise funds and awareness.
“There’re going to be prizes,” she said. “The $1 million Hole-in-One Shot is sponsored by Finn’s (Restaurant & Tavern in Knoxville), so we’re going to have a great time.”
As for future fundraisers. ”I’m not stopping at golf,” Lynch added. “I’m open to other sports, other different events.”
Along with the boxes, cards and letters can be sent to P.O. Box 22093, Farragut, TN 37934.
For more information about signing up for the tourney, call 1-855-227-7252 or visit www.sendseniorcizenslove.org
On the website, she said there also is a link for people who simply want to donate.
