Talk About Giving

Valentine’s Day is next week. The kids have probably picked out the treats and cards they’ll share with their friends. Maybe you’ve picked out a little something special for them, too. Perhaps your family will share a special meal next Tuesday evening. It’s the perfect time to bake some pink sugar cookies. Red, heart napkins might be included in lunch boxes. You might spend some time gluing white paper doilies to construction paper hearts for grandparents.

Valentine’s Day provides a great opportunity to express our love and appreciation for those we care about. And we can take this a step further by offering some love and care to others – whether it’s someone we know or not. Who might enjoy a little something special on Valentine’s Day? Do your kids have some ideas?

Here are some ways you and your family can share the love this Valentine’s Day:

1. Love letters. They’re not just for sweethearts. Write letters to your favorite organizations and tell them why you appreciate the work they’re doing. Let them know that they’re making a difference. Little children to young to write? Have them draw pictures.
2. Gifts that Give. Instead of another trinket, toy or gadget or as an alternative to sweets, flowers or jewelry how about give your Valentine the gift of giving?
3. Extended family. We all have family members that we don’t talk to often enough. Maybe it’s a great aunt, a cousin far away or even a dear, long-distance friend. In addition to making doily (or whatever) Valentines for friends or grandparents, how about make and send them to an unassuming relative? It really might just make their day.
4. Share a meal. Do you have an elderly neighbor or a friend that might be lonely? Perhaps one of your children has a friend that is going through a tough time. Invite them for Valentine’s Supper or take them a special meal. Don’t forget the red heart napkins and pink sugar cookies for dessert!
5. Those who serve. Leave a note of thanks for your mailman or trash collectors. Give your bus driver flowers or a gift card. Drop off homemade Valentine cookies at the fire or police department. Think about the people that serve you and let them know you appreciate them.
6. Something special. Pick-up some fun items for the kids at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.   Check out the list of supplies needed at the Family Shelter.  Take some new dog toys and collars to Pawmetto Lifeline. You can find other ideas here.
7. Share the wealth. Got too much going on to make cookies, dinner or homemade doily Valentine cards? As a family, select a meaningful nonprofit and deliver a check together. It doesn’t have to be much. Don’t forget, donations of every size count.