Valentine's day spreads what

What do you think of when you hear "˜Valentine's Day"? For most, images of deep red roses, candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, construction paper trimmed with lace and little soft puppies with pink bows instantly come to mind. Valentine's Day is about romance, the proverbial cupid shooting his potion filled arrows straight into lover's hearts. Everyone knows that Valentine's Day is meant for love but we forget that love encompasses so much more then just what is between couples. Listed below is ten unexpected ways to spread love on Valentine's Day.






1.) Visit a Battered Woman's Shelter. All of these women have seen nothing but the bad side of what should have been a loving relationship. Bring goodies and encouragement cards. Buy a few cheap teddy bears for the children that need something soft to hold onto in the new strange environment. Restore their faith in humanity. This would be a great project to get a whole group of friends involved. (Just contact the local shelter for any limitations or restrictions they have about visitors. A lot of them might let you drop these things off but not actually visit with the people that are staying there. This done for security and protection reasons, so do not become offended if you are refused entry. This is why it is important to call ahead.)





2.) Visit the Children's Ward at the local hospital. You can bring so much to these kids and their families. Once again call ahead to see how many patients are in the ward. Do not forget to ask about siblings that may be there also. These children are often overlooked when a brother or sister gets sick and can also go through the common feelings of helplessness and guilt. They need to be assured that they are important as individuals as well as to their sibling's recovery process.





3.) Bring gifts to a homeless shelter. Contact one ahead of time and find out the needs of various people that are staying there. Along with cards wrap up the practical things such as shoes and put a little red heart sucker under the bow that ties up the package. This is a great community event and you can talk to local stores to contribute items on the list you receive from the shelter.





4.) Visit a Single Moms Group Home. Along with the standard needs of diapers and formula bring little trinkets to these girls whose lives are now spent doing nothing but making a life for their child. Most of these young women have had children at a very young age and even the smallest mom necklace or charm bracelet will make their day.





5.) Spend the day at a Nursing Home. A lot of the people here have lost their lover and have no one to reminisce about their marriage to. Because of the various individual dietary guidelines, I would advice you not to bring any chocolates or candy to pass out. Stick to little cards or figurines from your local dollar store. This is another good project for a large group of friends to get involved with. You can brighten someone's monotonous day and you might be surprised that you would like to continue to visit there. An adopted Grandma or Grandpa might be waiting for you.