It is a simple project - we approach elementary and middle schools in October and November and ask their students to craft Valentine’s Day cards. We send the schools printed envelopes, the children draw and insert their precious cards, the cards are picked up and distributed to hospitals, hospices, clients of Food & Friends (homebound), and others. For Valentine's Day in 2024, more than 30,000 children took their time to participate. That means that there were 30,000 smiles from recipients, for some of whom, this was their only card. Lots of wonderful press coverage from Washington Post, NBC News, and others, from all around the world. You can see photos, articles, and videos at www.ValentinesByKids.org.
It is so gratifying. But, it takes coordination. First and foremost, we have to come up with ways to let schools know about the project. We use direct mail and email (both of which require time to create up-to-date address lists and there is envelope stuffing). But, because the school professionals are busy, we find that it is more effective if someone with a personal connection to a school can reach out by phone or some other contact. Parents, parent-teacher organizations, and local volunteers prove the most effective.
After the cards come back to us, there is the sorting and packaging process to get the cards delivered to the hospitals. It’s a party, but a challenge to get it done in a day.
All it takes is a few, local volunteers, and some coordination, to make this happen. Volunteers can be retirees (especially teachers who know how to communicate with educators), faith-groups, Rotarians, and students (to fulfill volunteer requirements and to demonstrate to others their ability to contribute to the community).
How to move forward?
Volunteers: Please let us know of your interest by filling out our short questionnaire at www.tinyURL/VBKVolunteer .
Teachers and School Administrators: If you want to sign up your school up to make Valentines, just go to www.tinyURL.com/ValentineSchoolSignUp .
Hospitals and Homes: If you are a hospital or nursing home and you want to receive Valentines, just go to www.tinyURL/Hospital-Sign-Up .
10116 Iron Gate Rd, Potomac, MD 20854, US
To spread a little love to our community - school children crafting Valentines, delivered to hospital/hospice patients and staff, and to others. "Made by hands - felt by hearts".
It's a simple project - we approach elementary and middle schools and ask their students to create Valentine's Day cards. We send them envelopes, the children insert their precious cards, and the cards are then picked up and distributed to hospitals, hospices, clients of Food and Friends (homebound), and others. For Valentines Day 2024, more than 30,000 children took their time to participate and smiled. Add to that the 30,000 smiles from people who received the Valentines, for some of whom this was their only card.
We have been lucky to receive lots of wonderful press coverage from the Washington Post, NBC, and from all over the world!
It just takes a few volunteers in a town or region to make this happen. Volunteers can be anyone! Students (besides being fun, it can fulfill volunteer requirements and look great on your resume), faith-groups, the Rotary, retirees (especially teachers who know how to reach other educators!).
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
August 20, 2024
