Love is in the air—giant teddy bears are everywhere and heart-shaped candy lines the shelves. Tis’ the season for all things love, but Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all couples, kisses and lovey-dovey stuff. Think of all the other things you love: your friends, family, kids, co-workers (maybe), Chipotle (no judgement). It’s great to send your sweetie chocolate-covered strawberries but focus some love this Valentine’s Day in your local community.
Sometimes the most rewarding experiences are doing something for someone else. We’re breaking down a few ways you can spread love in your community during this season of love.
Make a Homemade Meal
There’s nothing better than a warm, homemade meal. Making a tray of lasagna or a few dozen cookies for your local fire or police station is a great way to spread the love this Valentine’s Day. These people work to keep you safe, this holiday and every day. A simple, homemade gesture will bring a smile to their faces and remind them they’re appreciated.
This is a great idea to show your partner, family and friends that you love them, too. Whether you cook a romantic dinner for two or host a fun get-together with friends, this small act will remind your loved ones exactly how much they’re loved.
Craft Your Own Valentines
Words of affirmation are a great way to spread the love in your community (and beyond). Through organizations across the country, you can send letters to U.S. troops serving overseas. Spend the afternoon making valentines and writing letters with your kids for the troops. Fill them with positive words, jokes, smiley faces, hearts and lots of love. You can even go a step further and send your cards in a Valentine’s-themed care package. Just make sure you understand the rules set out by the organization you’re working with.
A homemade valentine—dried macaroni, glitter, googly eyes, the works—is also a great gift for mom or dad from your kiddos. Help your kids stamp their handprints, paint hearts and write mom or dad a message filled with love (and glitter, don’t forget the glitter).
Serve some Love
Check with your local homeless shelters and organizations to see if they need volunteers to serve food on and around Valentine’s Day. This is another way to spread the love that your kids can participate in, too. Plus, if you want to help your local shelters, serving food isn’t your only option. Many shelters also have volunteers prepare and drop off meals, too. You can also round up donation items—gently used clothing, shoes, etc.—and drop them off at your local Goodwill or any church or shelter that accepts donations.
At Leesa, making an impact on our community is just as important as our bottom line. With our social mission at the core of what we do, we wanted to ensure that all of our employees had time to spend on causes close to their own heart. We are proud to donate one percent of each of our employees’ time to volunteering for local causes, including our giving partner, the Bowery Mission, which serves the homeless and hungry in New York City. Since partnering with the Bowery Mission, Leesa has donated 600+ mattresses, time and resources to them. Read on about Leesa's social impact.
Whether you have the bed to yourself or share it with a partner, have a hot date for Valentine’s Day or fun plans for Galentine’s Day, you can spread some love in your community. From simple gestures to grand ones, make the most of this season of love.