Hillside Intermediate Students Showing They Care: Sood Brothers Deliver Valentine’s Cheer to Seniors

Neel and Sameer Sood, 11-year-old sixth-grade twins at Hillside Intermediate School, received a $500 grant from the nonprofit Kindness Grows Here to support their initiative, “Valentines for Seniors.” As part of the project, the brothers personally delivered Valentine’s Day gift bags to residents at New Jersey Eastern Star and Rehabilitation and Nursing in Bridgewater, aiming to spread joy and a festive spirit throughout the facility.  

For more information on the Hearts of Kindness Project and Valentines for Seniors, visit

https://neelsood1000.wixsite.com/kindness

https://sameercares.wixsite.com/sameercares/coloring

Sameer explained that they have been visiting nursing homes for years, bringing along colorful artwork created by their classmates to decorate residents’ rooms. After witnessing the happiness those drawings brought, the brothers were inspired to expand their efforts and do even more for seniors.

Each gift bag included a cozy throw blanket, a stuffed animal, and a “heart of kindness” featuring an uplifting message. Three years ago, Neel launched the “Hearts of Kindness Project” to promote positivity at his school. He distributed 470 paper hearts—each with a kind message attached—to every student. Students were encouraged to write their own “superpower” on the heart and display it as a reminder of their unique strengths. The initiative received an enthusiastic response and is set to be highlighted in an upcoming book about kindness heroes. Building on its success, Neel decided to extend the project to senior citizens as well.

Residents at New Jersey Eastern Star warmly welcomed the boys and expressed sincere gratitude for the thoughtful gifts. Recreation Director Simone Rudich noted that the twins have been visiting regularly for several years and that their consistent kindness has brought great happiness to the seniors.

The brothers said they chose to include blankets after noticing that many seniors often feel cold, hoping to keep them warm and comfortable. They added stuffed animals to brighten residents’ rooms and provide something soft and comforting to hold.

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