It doesn't get much sweeter than smiles, delicious food, and, of course, chocolate. But those pale in comparison to the heart-to-heart interactions we enjoy every year around Valentine's Day.

"There isn't a whole lot to do," said Diana Denzel, a Trinity Towers South resident. "My family is all gone, so anything that anybody does for us is a pleasure for me."

Diana was just one of more than 160 residents showered with love and appreciation at their front doors just shy of Valentine's Day. 

"I appreciate it, we appreciate it," she said. "It's always fun and heartwarming to get goodies from people around Valentine's Day."

Diana was one of the many residents who enjoyed the event last year, too. She fondly recalled how Health First Health Plans associates filled the Trinity Towers cafeteria with a full breakfast, providing arts and crafts and plenty of pictures to take home.

That was before the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Brevard — and a day Diana still cherishes and holds close to her heart.

"I still have the arts and crafts gift that I made last year," Diana said. "I love it."

For most of us, Valentine's Day is a time when admiration and appreciation is in the air — especially for our Health First Health Plans associates. For them, demonstrating love to others comes easily and without hesitation.

"We're thrilled to show our seniors within the community that we care, we're here, and how much we appreciate them," said Bryan Jones, Director of STARs Improvement and Accreditation with Health First Health Plans.

Bryan said the event also serves as a community reminder that Health First is here for them, helping to ensure the overall wellness and health of Brevard. More importantly, it's living proof that love still makes the world go 'round.

"If you can share some joy and love with somebody and you have that opportunity to do so, you should — because life only comes around once," Diana said.

To learn more about all the ways Health First gives back to the community, visit HFGivesBack.org.