O’Fallon Chocolatier Launches “Hello in There” Campaign to Support Seniors Isolated by COVID-19

Chocolates, Compassion and Prine

Saddleback Chocolates, a custom chocolatier located in O'Fallon, Illinois, announced the launch of "Hello in There," a campaign to provide chocolate care packages to seniors and patients isolated by COVID-19 quarantine measures.

Individuals or businesses can purchase Saddleback’s premium, hand-crafted signature chocolate to say “Hello in There” to people in assisted living centers, retirement communities, nursing homes, rehab facilities and hospitals. The chocolates will be produced at bare bones cost by Saddleback Chocolates and shipped to customers’ facility of choice.

The project was spurred by the poignant prose of singer/songwriter John Prine, who died recently from the COVID-19 virus. In his 1971 release of "Hello In There," Prine wrote:

You know that old trees just grow stronger

And old rivers grow wilder every day

Old people just grow lonesome

Waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there...hello.”

Saddleback Chocolates Owner and Founder, Maureen Moore, said the lyrics written by John Prine had hit home. Moore’s husband, Mike, a long time fan of Prine suggested the song at a time when so many of our elderly neighbors have been separated from their families.

“Isolation is hard for all of us, but imagine how hard it is for seniors in nursing homes who so look forward to those visits from family or friends,” said Moore. “They need to know that they are cherished, not expendable, and certainly not forgotten.

While the shelter-in-place order is in effect, we will keep our staff employed by producing, packaging, and shipping orders at absolutely no profit or mark-up."

Facilities, corporations or individuals may purchase Saddleback’s highest quality chocolates to say "Hello In There" to those who would appreciate a kind gesture to lift their spirits. Individually Cello-sealed packages of two premium milk and dark chocolate squares normally retail for $2.50, but we will sell at our bare bones cost of just $0.80 cents!

Place Your Order

$40 for case of 50 premium chocolate packages.

For inquiries or an order please contact: maureen@saddlebackchocolates.com