McMaster students are once again sharing holiday cheer by creating cards for seniors in the community.
What began as a small seasonal initiative has quickly grown, with students stopping by the libraries between classes and study sessions to write thoughtful messages for long-term care residents.
“There’s something special about watching students choose their words so carefully. They’re thinking about seniors who might be feeling alone, and they want those messages to matter,” said Ann Pearce, manager at McMaster University Libraries. “It shows how deeply they care about our community.”
Card-making supplies are available now through Dec. 15, 2025, at stations across all campus libraries.
Health Sciences Library
• Main floor near the library entrance
H.G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering
• Main floor
• Lower level in Thode Makerspace during specific events
Mills Memorial Library
• Main floor at the Services desk
• Second floor beside Library Accessibility Services/Mills Learning Commons
• Fourth floor in Lyons New Media Centre
Students from McMaster's Wilson College are also taking time to create cards for the initiative.
Once collected, all cards will be delivered to residents at Wentworth Lodge in Dundas and Macassa Lodge on the Hamilton mountain.
Last year, more than 600 cards made by McMaster students were distributed to Hamilton-based seniors.
Lynne Serviss, associate university librarian, User Services and Community Engagement, says the initiative helps strengthen connections across the community.
“We’re grateful to our students for bringing so much warmth and care into this tradition,” said Serviss. “A handwritten card may seem small, but for seniors, it’s a powerful reminder that they’re not alone during the holidays.”
