The Valentine Project has a mission to spread love every Feb. 14 — as well as year-round — to children with pediatric cancer or other chronic illnesses.
Each Valentine’s Day, the nonprofit organization mails packages filled with cards, treats, toys, crafts and other surprises to these children and their siblings across the country.
“We are Santa Claus for Valentine’s Day,” said Andrea Margida of Danville, KY, who is the Valentine Project’s president and CEO.
Throughout the year, the group also sends cards to the families. Volunteers make the cards and include jokes or riddles.
“These kids absolutely love it and then the jokes and riddles lighten the day for everyone else in the family who are going through a dark time,” said Margida.
Each package includes a new book, a handmade pillowcase and a work of art or craft — all provided by volunteers.
“It’s a huge undertaking and we specifically send personalized packages to the children’s home rather than a hospital because it’s a chance for all the kids in the family to just feel like they’re regular kids. It’s a respite from all the things they’re dealing with on a regular basis,” said Margida.
She knows what the families the organization serves are going through.
Her daughter, Michaela, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 5. As she and her husband dealt with Michaela’s treatment, they also had a 5-month-old son, Gregory, to care for.
Michaela recovered, but the experience led the family to help others. In 2010, the Valentine Project was born.
Gregory came up with the idea to send valentines to children battling illness and to their siblings to show unconditional love. Michaela collected the cards and the siblings joined forces to send packages anonymously, like secret valentines.
They started with a group of 88 children in Ohio.
“It’s now grown, shifted and bursting at the seams,” Margida said.
The Valentine Project has 900 volunteers lifting the spirits of more than 1,000 children.
The organization prepares its mass annual mailing in Jewett, OH. Volunteers deliver the outgoing mail in wagons to the local Post Office.
Debbie Gaba, a retail associate at the Jewett Post Office, has helped to process more than 500 of those packages.
“It’s a great way to show sick children and their siblings that we love them and to put smiles on their faces. I enjoy doing this every year and I feel fortunate that I could help them,” she said.
And the feeling is mutual.
“The Post Office workers are dear hearts and treat us as more than a business transaction. We consider them part of the Valentine Project family,” Margida said.
