What started as a simple idea to brighten the lives of residents in nursing homes has quickly grown into a countywide expression of faith, kindness and community.
This Valentine’s Day, volunteers from Perry Christian Church and balloon artist Sarah Cole’s business, Lift Up Balloons and Designs, will assemble and deliver more than 2,200 “Blessing Balloons” to residents in 26 nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Stark County. The effort nearly doubles last year’s pilot project, which reached roughly 1,300 residents at 13 facilities.
The deliveries include more than festive balloon stacks. Each resident also receives a hand-colored Valentine’s card featuring the Bible verse 1 John 4:19 — “We love because He first loved us” — a message organizers say is at the heart of the project.
“In a world that can feel a bit heavy, we are trying to literally send ‘love from above’ to our community,” said Jay Secrest, outreach pastor at Perry Christian Church. “These aren’t just decorations — they open doors for prayer, singing, laughter and joy.”
Last year’s deliveries made a visible impact on both sides of the doorway. Residents smiled, sang, prayed and shared stories as volunteers came through hallways with balloons in hand. Several facilities requested the project expand this year.
Cole, who owns Lift Up Balloons and Designs, said she was inspired by similar balloon-based outreach efforts across the country. She approached Secrest and fellow pastor Rod Geiger to partner on a community version in Stark County. With Secrest’s background in healthcare and existing nursing-home connections, the idea took off.
“We saw so many amazing interactions last year,” Cole said. “It touched the residents, but it also touched the volunteers. Families, students, Girl Scouts, businesses — everyone found a way to be part of it.”
To meet this year’s larger goal, volunteers are needed for balloon production, card-coloring events and delivery teams. Production and assembly will take place at Perry Christian Church and Minerva First Christian Church. Deliveries will occur in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Cole said the hands-on work is accessible for all ages and skill levels. Last year, children, teens, seniors and first-time volunteers helped inflate and tie balloons or color cards at local businesses including R & R Coffee. Organizers expect similar turnout this year.
“This is one of those projects you don’t have to be an expert to join,” Cole said. “If you can tie a balloon, color a picture or just show up with a willing heart, there’s a place for you.”
The Blessing Balloon project is funded through community support, volunteer labor and donations of materials. Cole and Secrest said they hope the effort creates long-lasting connection — not only between churches and nursing facilities, but among volunteers who may not otherwise cross paths.
“We just want residents to feel seen and loved,” Secrest said. “That’s really it. If we can remind them that God hasn’t forgotten them and neither has their community, then it’s worth every minute.”
Organizers plan to continue the project annually and potentially expand to more facilities in the future.
How to get involved
Volunteers can sign up for balloon production, coloring events or delivery teams at: linktr.ee/blessingballoons
