DoSomething.org Joins Forces with Mentor Up and Victoria Justice to Lift Spirits This Valentine's Day

Love Letters asks teens to make Valentine's Day cards to lift the spirits of older adults during a peak time of isolation and depression.

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DoSomething.org today announced it is joining forces with Mentor Up, a new way to make a difference by AARP Foundation, to launch Love Letters, which will encourage teens to make handmade Valentine's Day cards to lift the spirits of older adults across the country during a peak time of isolation and depression. Handmade cards will be delivered to Meals on Wheels clients across the country.

As part of the Love Letters campaign, DoSomething.org and Mentor Up also announced the release of a Public Service Announcement, featuring singer and actress Victoria Justice, developed to raise awareness of the campaign and to encourage young people to learn more about social isolation. The PSA can be viewed here.

"I'm so excited to support a campaign that helps brighten an older person's day. I'm really close with my grandma and love that teens across the country are going to spread some love and make a difference in the lives of older adults this Valentine's Day. Love Letters is way better than cheesy stuffed animals and chocolate," said Victoria Justice.

Studies show that 6.5 million older people suffer from depression. Love Letters is a national campaign that aims to help lift the spirits of older adults and combat social isolation. Starting today through February 15, Love Letters will provide an opportunity for young people across the country to sign up to make handmade Valentine's cards for older adults. Young people then simply need to find a Meals on Wheels location in their community where they can send the card.  Love Letters is proud to once again partner with Meals On Wheels Association of America, which serves 2.5 million seniors.  The Valentine's Day cards made by teens who sign up for Love Letters will be included in meal deliveries made by Meals on Wheels volunteers.

"The best cards are made with crayons and love," said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org.

"AARP Foundation is thrilled to be taking part in DoSomething.org's Love Letters national campaign," said AARP Foundation president Lisa Marsh Ryerson. "There are millions of adults 50 and older living in a state of vulnerability and isolation. Encouraging teens to create handmade Valentine's Day cards is an excellent opportunity for the generations to reconnect, ultimately bringing them closer together."

To join Love Letters and learn more visit DoSomething.org/loveletters.

About DoSomething.org:
We love teens. They are creative, active, wired…and frustrated that our world is so messed up. DoSomething.org harnesses that awesome energy and unleashes it on causes teens care about. Almost every week, we launch a new national campaign. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn't require money, an adult, or a car. With a goal of 5 million active members by 2015, DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US for teens and social change. Join us at www.DoSomething.org.

About Mentor Up:
Mentor Up is a new way to make a difference from AARP Foundation that brings together the younger generation's energy and talents to pursue reverse mentoring and community service opportunities that help people 50 and older. In addition, Mentor Up is also working with organizations rooted in service and driven by social missions, including 4-H, DoSomething.org, Facebook, Generations United, The Intergenerational Center at Temple University and the Magic Johnson Foundation. For more information about Mentor Up, visit www.mentorup.org.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America
The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the national leadership organization supporting local, community Senior Nutrition Programs across the country. Numbering 5,000+ strong, these programs operate in all 50 states, as well as all U.S. territories. The Meals on Wheels model is proven and effective as it leverages a virtual army of over two million volunteers who day-in and day-out create an efficient and caring way to keep America's seniors happy, healthy and independent in their own homes. All told, Meals on Wheels programs serve well over one million meals a day to seniors in need through direct home delivery and congregate locations like senior centers. The Meals on Wheels Association of America is focused on empowering these local community programs to generate the support, create greater efficiencies and drive the innovation that will be needed to keep programs sustainable and our communities thriving for years to come. For more information, visit mowaa.org.

About Victoria Justice
Victoria Justice is starting 2014 off strong, starring in MTV's cyber thriller "Eye Candy" as well as the Indie Rom-Com "Naomi + Ely's No Kiss List." Justice gained popularity for her leading role in her own hit Nickelodeon television series "Victorious", and continued to showcase her acting talents in Nickelodeon's "iCarly" and "Zoey 101," as well as guest appearances on "The Penguins of Madagascar," "The Troop," "Everwood," and "Gilmore Girls." She can also be seen in the Screen Gems' "The First Time," and Paramount Pictures' "Fun Size." Justice has also become a budding sensation in the music world. She recently returned from the "Summer Break Tour" where she continued to please her fans, captivating one city at a time.

SOURCE DoSomething.org