Wednesday, February 07, 2007



Works-For-Me Wednesday: Love, Sweet Love Edition

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and already it has taken on the blogosphere with tips and ideas from Shalee's Diner and now more from Shannon.

Bloggin' is good like that, people.

I have shared before that I like to give cards to people and Valentine's Day is one of those holidays where I start working on it early. Most of the time I just buy a box of valentines and sign "God Bless- Love, A Christian Friend" and take them to a local nursing home. Sometimes I have a chance to pass them out and other times I have asked someone on staff to do it. (They are always glad to do so and are really appreciative of someone reaching out to the residents.)

This year I am making valentines. I started over a month ago and have worked on them here and there at night. It has been a lot of fun. I am mailing some of them to my husband's grandmother so that she can pass them out to the residents at her assisted living home. She has no idea I am doing this. I hope it is a nice surprise. :>)

If you do decide to reach out to the elderly at an assisted living or nursing home facility, remember that they really do not need any candy. Most are on a special diet and honestly, the card means so much more to them.

Here are some other ideas for valentines:

1. Call your local Meals on Wheels and offer to provide them with valentines for their trays that day. Ask them in advance how many they will need. The little boxed valentines are the perfect size for tray favors.

2. If you have a children's home in your area, offer to donate a box for each child, unsigned. These kids will want to bring valentines to their friends at school. The homes and foster parents may not have the budget to buy them for the kids. (I have never called a children's home and been turned down. They have always been grateful for someone to do this. Sometimes the staff will pitch in from their own pockets to buy them.)

Remember- you will need to give one box per child. This is a great time to visit the dollar store or ask your Sunday school class or Bible study group to help out.

These are just a few ideas of how you can share the love. A few years ago I decided to really try to reach out on Valentine's Day to tell people that God loves them. He IS Love. It makes sense to share His Love for them on this holiday.

Have fun!

7 comments:

Tammy said...

Oh, Melanie, was a wonderful idea...I think that is wonderful to surprise your husband's grandmother to pass out!
We'll actually be at the assisted living center we visit on Valentine's Day to make Valentine crafts...but I love the idea of passing out Valentines to them, as well!! These are truly great ideas and tangable ways we can show love to others on this holiday- especially with out kids!

Oh...and Melanie...check out my post...I've linked you to a post...;)

Roxanne said...

What an AWESOME idea.

Betty said...

Melanie,

You have wonderful ideas to share God's love that He so abundantly showers on us.
I enjoy reading your blog.
I am new to blogging but I am meeting so many new friend.
God Bless.
Betty at Country-Charm

Rae said...

I love LOVE these ideas, I always love to help out the less fortunate or people we tend to forget about sometimes, especially around Valentine's Day. Greattt tips! Happy Valentine's Day! =)

Elizabeth said...

What a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

Nikki said...

This is such a thoughtful post. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful ideas. I'm definitely going to use some.

Nikki ALL OUT Valentine's Day

Blogger profile name said...

Melanie, those are just such great ideas! Before we moved, we used to go to a nursing home after Valentine's parties with our old homeschool group and take cards. It meant so much to the residents. Thanks for the reminder; we need to find a nursing home here and do that.

My 94-year-old aunt gets meals-on-wheels. I know she gets special things sometimes at the holidays. I never thought about donating through them. My kids would love doing this.