MANSFIELD — Richland County Children Services (RCCS), and the Mansfield United Lions Club are making Valentine’s Day special for youths in foster care with Valentine’s Day cards.
The Mansfield United Lions Club and RCCS will be collecting Valentine’s cards for children in foster care ages 0–6, 7-12 and 13-18. Cards can be handmade, or store brought, no sealed valentines and cards may be signed. Cards will be accepted through Jan. 23.
The community is invited to drop off or mail the unsealed Valentine’s Day cards to Richland County Children Services, C/O Valentine’s Day, to 731 Scholl Road, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906.
“This Valentine’s Day, let’s come together to make sure every child in foster care feels seen, valued, and cherished,” said Brigitte Coles, Richland County Children Services, Community Engagement Supervisor.
“For many of these incredible youths, a Valentine’s card may be more than just paper and ink — it can be a reminder that they are not forgotten.”
Last year more than 9,000 items, including Valentine’s Day Cards, books, candy, dolls, and gift bags were collected.
People from all over Richland County, and out of state donated cards including families, schools, churches, businesses, public officials, colleges, correctional institutions and more helping to make the community project a success.
In Ohio there are more than 14,000 youths in foster care and unfortunately many of them do not have the chance to be part of Valentine exchanges.
The Valentine’s Day Card Project gives the community an opportunity to show children in foster care that they are loved, appreciated and not alone.
“The Mansfield United Lions have prioritized supporting the foster children of Richland County and we have pride that the valentine card project has significant outreach with joy as the outcome,” said Dr. Debra Weaver, President of the Mansfield United Lions.
RCCS encourages all individuals to invest in the lives of children and to provide them with unconditional love, support, guidance, and every available resource to ensure their health and well-being.
You can make a difference in a child’s life! If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, contact Richland County Children Services at 419-774-4100 or go to richlandcountychildrenservices.org.
For more information about the Valentine cards project contact Brigitte Coles, Community Engagement Supervisor at 419-774-4168 or brigitte.coles@jfs.ohio.gov.