Happy Valentine’s Day! This week, we celebrate love and we share love for our significant others, families and friends. No matter what your Valentine’s plans are, you can give the most lovely gift by giving back to your community. Check out 9 altruistic ways to celebrate this special day.
1. Send a love letter. This Valentine’s Day, spread the love by sending a love letter but not just to your partner. Write them to other people and organizations in your life that you value. Tell them why they matter, what they mean to you and how much you love them.
2. Spread some love. Check out Catholic Charities volunteer opportunities, and spread the love of Christ to others.
3. Choose fair trade. Buying fair-trade goods not only ensures great quality gifts for your valentine, but also helps support small business owners. Whether it’s chocolate, jewelry or a Valentine’s card, you’d be surprised by things you can find in the world of fair-trade. Check out fair trade items for sale at Catholic Relief Services.
4. Remember our military. Don’t forget our military men and women serving overseas who aren’t able to spend the day with loved ones. Send a care package, letter or goods their way to show them you care.
5. Help your neighbor. One easy way to show love this week is to help a neighbor, senior, or community member in need. A little effort goes a long way to show you care.
6. Clean your closet. Start spring cleaning early by going through your closet now and donating clothes and household items you no longer need. Donate to our local Salvation Army Family Store.
7. Support disaster relief. Show you care this week by supporting disaster relief needs in your community and beyond. Check out what Catholic Charities USA is doing in the area of disaster relief.
8. Give a meal away. Staying in on Valentine’s Day? Why not double your efforts and put together a meal to donate to a local soup kitchen? Not only will you enjoy your night in, but you can be sure you made someone else’s night even more special. Check out United Way's virtual food finder to find a soup kitchen near you.
9. Donate your date night. You can also go all out for Valentine’s Day and donate your date night. Take the money you would have spent on a night out and give back to Catholic Charities to see the impact you can make.
For Valentine’s Day, give love to others by giving back. Try out some of these Valentine’s Day tips to truly see love blossom in your life.
