Valentine’s Day is a great time to come together and celebrate love—and there are a lot more ways to do that than is typically associated with the holiday! Love is about expressing compassion, generosity, and kindness to others. That’s why we’re highlighting 7 ways to volunteer and put that love into action.
They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, right? This February 14, skip the crowded restaurant and expensive three-course meal. Instead, opt for serving a meal made with love to those who need one. Look for opportunities to fight hunger at your local food bank, soup kitchen, homeless shelter or Meals on Wheels chapter.
For folks who aren’t able to spend the day with loved ones, receiving a handmade card or thoughtful care package can be uplifting. Consider reaching out to nearby hospices or hospitals to see if you can send some cards or tokens of love and support to their clients. Or try an organization that supports deployed military members, like the United Service Organizations (USO).
Animals need love too! Show how much you care for our furry, feathered, and scaled friends by contacting an animal shelter near you to see how you can donate your time. Or, if you’re able, sign up as a foster parent and provide a loving home to a pet in need.
Skip the bouquet and plant flowers instead! Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show Mother Earth some affection by participating in a habitat restoration, tree planting, or beach cleanup service project.
Love often means being there during tough times. Save lives by volunteering to support those going through a crisis. Many organizations, like Crisis Text Line, even allow you to volunteer from your own home.
While it’s clear that volunteering is a great way to spread love on Valentine’s Day, sharing the experience with your loved ones makes it even sweeter. Find an opportunity for the whole gang to get involved.
The perfect volunteer role for you is out there waiting. Head to VolunteerMatch.org to find your match. Then commit to giving back to your community and sharing the love all year round!