Giving Back This Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day has long been associated with grand gestures and expensive gifts. However, as the holiday becomes increasingly commercialized, people are seeking ways to make it more meaningful and impactful for their kids. By shifting the focus from materialism to acts of kindness and generosity, Valentine's Day can transform into an opportunity to give back to communities and spread love in its purest form. Whether it's volunteering, supporting local charities, or simply reaching out to those in need, this approach fosters a spirit of connection and compassion that goes far beyond traditional celebrations.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
Here are some ways to make giving back the center of your Valentine’s celebration.
Participate in a Kindness Challenge.
Challenge yourself to be kinder by participating in our 28-Day Kindness Challenge. By doing one tiny kind act a day, you will see the benefits of kindness each day!
Bake and Share.
Create heart-shaped cookies and share them with your local nursing home, a neighbor, family or friends. To make it extra special, you could decorate a clean white ceramic plate with permanent markers, then load the plate with goodies before making your delivery. Your recipient will not only enjoy the cookies but also have the plate to remember the kind act for years to come!
Valentine Card-Making.
Gather your friends or host a playdate for kids and put out craft supplies, doilies, construction paper and create some beautiful Valentine cards for the community. Drop them off at a local nursing home or mail them to your friends. Or, you can mail the cards to Soldiers' Angels to be distributed to veterans. (There are specific guidelines on the website that tell you how to do this!)
Volunteer.
Give back to the community by checking out our February volunteer listings for all different kinds of ways to give back during this month of generosity and love. Subscribe now to receive these monthly volunteer opportunities in your inbox.
CONVERSATIONS
How can we shift Valentine's Day from a focus on consumerism and buying things to a celebration of love and giving back?
What are meaningful ways to spread kindness on Valentine's Day beyond gifts and cards?
Can you share an example of how you’ve used Valentine’s Day to make a positive impact in your community?
How can small acts of generosity on Valentine's Day inspire others to give back?
What role does love and kindness play in creating a more compassionate and connected society?
Who is someone you’d like to honor this Valentine’s Day for their selfless acts of kindness?
How can we encourage others to use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to give, support, and uplift those in need?
Why is focusing on love and kindness more fulfilling than material gifts on Valentine’s Day?
READ
Check out this book list featuring books of generosity and love. Read some of them in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
INSPIRATION
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
—Maya Angelou