H.E.A.R.T.S.
Homeschoolers Educating, Assisting, & Reaching-out Through Service
January/February Theme:   Valentines

To Participate in this effort please:

1)  Select a group of recipients.  You can use the following links to find a
group you would like to send Valentines to near you (if you don’t already have
one in mind.)   
Veterans
Domestic Violence Shelter Residents
Homeless Shelter Residents
Local Nursing Homes [www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp]
2)  Contact the recipient of your choice to confirm their mailing address and
to be sure that they will be able to distribute the Valentines ~ and/or arrange a
time to personally deliver your Valentines (perhaps bringing a few treats
along for a little Valentine's Day party!)

3)  Handcraft (or purchase if you like) Valentines.  See ** below for links to
great sites with ideas for creating really special Valentines.


4)  Include a note identifying yourself as a participant in H.E.A.R.T.S.  - for
example:   

"We Wish You A Happy Valentines Day From Our HEARTS To Yours  ~  
Homeschoolers Educating, Assisting, & Reaching-out Through Service"

5)  (Optional – but suggested and appreciated!)  Submit a press release (see
bottom of page for prepared press release – or write your own if you prefer)
the first or second week in January (or as near that date as possible.)  If you
are able to, it would be great to also submit a "wrap-up" press release after
you have completed your project as well.  - [If you compose any press
releases for any project we would be grateful if you would submit a copy to be
posted to the H.E.A.R.T.S. website as inspiration for others.]
**  Designing and creating handmade cards is a nice added touch
and an enjoyable community service project for children of all
ages!  Here are some links to sites with ideas and suggestions
for creative Valentines:  
Enchanted Learning Cards - Kids Domain (print out & color)
Amazing Moms Valentines

Let's join together to make a difference!!
All participants are encouraged to submit a press release to their local newspapers to help advance public awareness, understanding, and
acceptance of homeschoolers/homeschooling - as well as to publicize the causes for which you work.  A prepared press release follows below.  
Please copy and fill your individualized data in the italics areas.  Please feel free to edit as you feel necessary and/or to compose your own.
If you can please help us by submitting a press release - but prefer to remain anonymous - just use the following
information for the press release below:  Contact: Michele Pulis    Email: mail_michele@yahoo.com
Press Release
Contact:
Email:                                                                                                                                For Immediate Release
Phone:

Valentine's Day H.E.A.R.T.S.

H.E.A.R.T.S. to Hearts:  Homeschoolers Reach Out with Handmade Valentines



[YOUR CITY, STATE] –  This Valentine's Day, homeschoolers with H.E.A.R.T.S. -- Homeschoolers Educating,

Assisting, & Reaching-out Through Service -- will join with others in the community to reach out to the hearts of  

[residents/patients/veterans] at  [FACILITY NAME(S)]  with a special delivery of valentines.



All across the country the H.E.A.R.T.S. to Hearts Valentines project will bring homeschoolers together, many times with

members of the community at large, to make and deliver cards to area nursing homes, hospitals, and homeless

shelters, including [FACILITY NAME(S)] in [city, county, state].  



“We want to share Valentine's Day warmth with those who might otherwise be forgotten,” said local H.E.A.R.T.S.

participant [NAME LOCAL COORDINATOR or PARTICIPANT].  “It's a special day and a special chance for our kids to

learn how important it is to reach out to people who might feel lonely and need an extra smile.”  Homeschooling families

routinely get involved in community service as part of their daily learning experience.  H.E.A.R.T.S. creates

opportunities for homeschoolers to participate in coordinated group service projects, reaching beyond the barriers of

religion, politics, educational philosophy, and distance. Founded in June 2004 by Michele Pulis, a New Jersey

homeschooling activist, the organization has grown into a national effort with 16 chapters in 14 states, including [YOUR

STATE].  




“We welcome and appreciate community participation in our projects throughout the year,” said [LOCAL PARTICIPANT

(OR COORDINATOR)].   “You can learn more by visiting the national HEARTS website at http://www.h-e-a-r-t-s.org”   

[OPTIONAL - LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION MAY BE ADDED HERE - ie. 'or by contacting (local group /

coordinator contact info)' ]





Let's join together to make a difference!

For Valentine's Day
H.E.A.R.T.S. Participants
are reaching to the hearts of individuals and
families who may otherwise be forgotten.  
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