On Valentine ’ s Day we most often celebrate romantic love , displaying our affection to significant others through gifts of flowers , chocolates , and lavish dinners out . However , what if this year you celebrated love in all of its forms by giving of your time , energy and thoughtfulness to those in need , instead ? Thanksgiving and Christmas are traditional holidays for giving to others , and by the time February rolls around , many of us go back to our regularly scheduled routines . This year , consider how you can help those people who might be most in need of love that they are no longer able to experience or who are enduring challenging life situations . From elderly widowers to parents who have lost children , here ’ s a roundup of things to do this Valentine ’ s Day that bring love to those who need it most .
Take a Valentine ’ s Gift to Someone in a Nursing Home
Many of the elderly folks at retirement communities have lost a spouse , or have infrequent visits with family , spending much of their time alone . “ Even just giving a few minutes of your time , a personal touch and personal contact makes a big difference ,” says Jean Tognaccini , owner of Villa Serena retirement home in Morgan Hill . Better yet you can get a group together to “ adopt ” a nursing home , and be sure that every resident there gets a gift or card .
Adopt a Platoon
Our military personnel don ’ t get to take holidays off much of the time , and many of them are separated from their loved ones for long stretches of time . A bright spot of cheer at this time of year can make all the difference . Visit adoptaplatoon . org to find out how you can send cards or gifts to these dedicated military folks .
Send Valentine ’ s to Incarcerated Youth
For youth in juvenile detention centers , every holiday , no matter how small , can be a reminder of the loved ones they don ’ t get to spend time with for the time being . Consider sending small valentine ’ s cards or gifts to these youth to let them know they ’ re not alone .
Bring Valentine ’ s Treats to Your Local Food Pantry
While food pantries that serve low-income and homeless populations always appreciate staple foods , they also enjoy special holiday-themed treats to hand out to those who partake of their services . Whether you bake your own goodies or bring in a few boxes of chocolates , your sweet effort will not go unappreciated .
Support Childhood Cancer Research
There is perhaps no group who suffers more at the holidays than parents who have lost children . After losing her six-yearold daughter Jennifer to an aggressive cancer just three years ago , local Gilroy mom Libby Kranz started the non-profit organization Unravel Pediatric Cancer , which raises money for research on childhood cancers . Her Gilroy-based organization offers many ways for people to get involved in the fight to end childhood cancer . If you know any family that has had to bear this unbearable kind of loss , considering reaching out with a special note of love at this time of year .
Give Love to the Unsung Workers in Your Community
Some of the most hardworking people are those we think about the least because they so quietly and efficiently go about their jobs : The clerks who ring up your groceries , the postal person who delivers your mail , the people who do your yard work , housecleaning , and those who pick up your garbage . Consider surprising one or more of these people in your life with a Valentine ’ s note or gift .
Offer to Babysit a Friend ’ s Kids
Parenting is some of the most important and exhausting work anyone can do . Many parents have trouble arranging childcare in order to spend some quality time together at this time of year . If you ’ re in the position to do so , offer to babysit a friend ’ s children so they and their significant other can go out on a date .
Take a Single Friend Out
Valentine ’ s day can be awfully lonely if you ’ re not with a partner . Single people generally find this holiday boring at best , and unbearable at worst . If you ’ re in the position to do so , consider taking a single friend out for a “ date ” to do something fun .
Whatever you choose to do , let this Valentine ’ s Day be a reminder of all the ways you can spread your love into the world for good , even if all you do is to call up your mother and tell her you love her , or hug your loved ones extra tight .
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 gmhtoday . com
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