Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

7 Ways to Spread Love This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love in all its forms. Chocolates, flowers, and candle-lit dinners are great for the romantic partner in your life, but have you ever thought about how you can show compassion to your entire community during this season of love?

Here are some heartfelt ways to spread kindness and care this Valentine’s Day:

Ohio Valley Goodwill Volunteer accepts blanket donations
Ohio Valley Goodwill Volunteer accepts blanket donations

#1: Volunteer at a Local Charity

Spend some time volunteering at a charity that means something to you. Consider serving at a soup kitchen, shelter, or animal rescue. Ohio Valley Goodwill offers several volunteer opportunities as well! Giving your time to those in need not only provides essential help, but also spreads warmth and love in your community.

#2: Write Love Letters to Strangers

Take the time to write uplifting notes or letters of encouragement and leave them in public places for strangers to find. Pin an uplifting note on a community bulletin board, or leave it with your tip at a restaurant. You never know how much a few kind words can brighten someone’s day!

#3: Organize a Neighborhood Clean-up

Pink heart measuring cups
Pink heart measuring cups

Show love for your community and the environment by making your neighborhood beautiful! Organize a neighborhood gathering where you pick up litter and spend time building community. You might even plan a small party to celebrate after the clean-up!  

#4: Cook a Meal for Someone in Need

A meal made with love is a thoughtful gesture that’s sure to warm hearts. Prepare a homemade meal and deliver it to a friend, family member, or neighbor who could use some extra support. Sharing a meal is a simple yet meaningful way to show you care.

Pink heart bowl from Goodwill

#5: Sprinkle in Simple Acts of Kindness

Hold the door open for someone, pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line, or simply offer a smile to a stranger. Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect and inspire others to do the same.

#6: Spread Kindness on Social Media

Use your social media platforms to spread positivity and love. Share uplifting stories, compliment and support others, or start a gratitude challenge to encourage others to focus on the good in their lives.

Donate and Make a Difference Goodwill
Donate and Make a Difference Goodwill

#7: Donate to Goodwill

Pack up household items you don’t need and drop them off at your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill donation center. Your gift will support Goodwill’s job skills training and employment services, giving someone in your community a chance at a new, fulfilling opportunity. Your donations make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and our nation’s veterans. Plus, donating to Goodwill is good for the planet, because your gently-loved items will go on to be used again and again.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s embrace the true spirit of love in our communities. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading positivity, every act of love makes a difference in creating a brighter, better world for all.