Love in Action Project Inc

Love In Action Project, Inc. is a volunteer-led, grassroots organization established in 2010. Based in Charlotte, NC, we create love and hope to combat the effects of social isolation and loneliness for those most forgotten across the nation. We do this with Art and Human Connection. Handmade cards are delivered to nursing home residents, seniors living in senior facilities, Meals on Wheels recipients, and individuals facing life transitions, including, but not limited to, those experiencing homelessness in more than 29 cities and 15 states.

Send a message of LOVE and HOPE.

Loneliness is a global health crisis that affects all of us. We have four programs, and we welcome you to join us. Your handmade card and human connection bring joy and help ease the feeling of despair while combating the effects of social isolation and loneliness for the recipients.

Sound the Alarm!

Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling; it harms both individual and societal health and it is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. On May 3, 2023, The U.S. Surgeon General Advisory raised the alarm about the devastating impact of the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States.

Studies have shown the following:

• Since 1985, the number of Americans with no close friends has tripled.

• Socially isolated seniors have a 59% higher risk of physical and mental health decline, heart disease, high blood pressure, and dementia than those who do not experience social isolation.

• 60% of nursing home residents do not receive regular visitors, putting them at greater risk for abuse, neglect, and depression.

• Loneliness and social isolation are just as deadly as smoking cigarettes. Isolation increases the risk of premature death as much as a person smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

• Poor social connections can increase the risk of heart disease by 29%.

These are alarming statistics, considering that isolation among adults is an issue we all can address.

Surprising Benefits for our Volunteer

While volunteering has many benefits, we focus on meeting the needs of both the giver, “volunteer/ card creator,” and receiver (recipient). Studies show that our well-being depends on our connections with others. A lack of connection, or loneliness, has been linked to inflammation, accelerated aging and cardiovascular health risk, suicide, and all-cause mortality.

Our card parties create an environment of love and healing; while creating cards to care for others, the card creator cares for themselves. Handwriting increases neural development and engages areas of the brain associated with language, memory, word recognition, and emotion. Coloring helps lower stress and anxiety and allows the brain to experience relief by entering a meditative state. Card creation parties foster self-awareness, increase self-esteem, expel negative thoughts and replace them with positive reviews, and achieve mindfulness. The time used to create cards uplifts and empowers all volunteers, from the youngest to the oldest.