Baby Talk - Spread Love in 2021

Particularly during the pandemic, everyone could use a little bit of a pick-me-up. Your children, even young toddlers, can get in on the action. There are a number of organizations that distribute valentines to those most in need.

• Supporting our troops, some stationed thousands of miles from home, with a homemade valentine can certainly be a bright spot in their day. Soldiers’ Angels (www.soldiersangels.org) and Hugs for Soldiers (www.hugsforsoldiers.org) are two organizations you can check out. Each has specific instructions for getting your valentine into the hands of those in active military duty.

• What can be more rewarding than providing valentines to sick children? One of my aunts was quite sick as a child and spent many holidays in the hospital. She would tell you not to underestimate the excitement of receiving cards while being sick and away from home. The smile it brought to her face and the joy in her heart were unmeasurable. You can check out Cards for Hospitalized Kids (www.cardsforhospitalizedkids.com) and Send A Smile 4 Kids (https://sendasmile4kids.blogspot.com).

• Many senior citizens experience social isolation being in nursing homes and other types of senior facilities. My grandma, who lived to 93, was in a senior living facility and loved to receive “snail email.” Having something to open and display in her room was exciting for her. Check out Love For Our Elders (https://loveforourelders.org) or contact senior living facilities in your area to see if they are amendable to receiving valentines for their residents.

Creating fun valentines is a great way to engage your child in the arts, while learning to think of others. The recipients of your child’s cards will certainly cherish the card and the thoughts.

What other suggestions do you have for groups that would benefit from being remembered with valentines? Please, share.