Flossmoor Woman Spreads Holiday Cheer by Regifting to Combat Loneliness

Flossmoor: Jennifer Molski started a heartwarming project to help seniors feel less lonely. After getting married, she gifted friends beautiful vases. Years later, one friend regifted a vase back to her, and instead of feeling upset, she was delighted. This sparked her idea to create “Leave it for Love,” an organization that collects and distributes gifts to older adults who might feel forgotten.

Since 2003, Molski has been delivering treats, scarves, and other goodies to seniors living alone or in facilities. Recently, she dropped off a bunch of gifts at Victory Centre in Park Forest. She believes everyone deserves a little joy, especially seniors who may not have much.

The idea came to her when she was living in a small studio and realized she had too many unused items. Molski wanted to find a better way to share those gifts. With her background as a social worker, she’s always had a passion for helping older adults. She started collecting gifts for events, and the joy it brought to seniors was incredible.

Over the years, Molski has regifted thousands of items to various organizations. This year, she chose Victory Centre because of her friendship with resident Joe Dietz. Molski loves the community there, where everyone looks out for one another.

Living in Flossmoor with her husband and their dog, Molski delivers gifts during the holidays but accepts donations year-round. Popular items include toiletries and holiday décor. If you have gifts you’re unsure about, you can drop them off at Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery.

Erin Brewer, the property manager at Victory Centre, shared that Molski brought in 75 lovely gifts this year, making many residents very happy. Molski’s kindness doesn’t stop at charity; she was also a full-time caregiver for her mom until she passed away last year. She and her husband even rescue older dogs from shelters.

Molski feels grateful for the chance to spread joy. She learned from her parents that giving back is important, and she’s living that lesson every day.