February 14th is a day for love—we all know that by now. Are you over the humdrum traditions of cards with corny pick-up lines and cootie catchers giving you random wisdom? This year, instead of celebrating Singles Awareness Day with heart-shaped candies or spending an exorbitant amount on flowers that have been ridiculously marked up, have a heart and consider some alternative ways to spread love and show you care. Here are a few ways you can share love differently, whether you're in a relationship or not.
Volunteer
What better way to prove your love for your fellow humans than by helping them out? See if you can volunteer at your local food pantry this Valentine’s Day. Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and food pantries see a huge increase in volunteers in November and December, but they still need help during the rest of the year. Bring a date or bring your whole crew of friends or student peers and show that you care. You can also check out DoSomething.org for volunteer opportunities for you and all your friends. And you don’t even have to go out of your way for many volunteer positions these days, with a lot of opportunities offered virtually online.
Donate some red
You only need to be 17 to donate blood in most states—16 in some, with parental consent. Blood pumpers (hearts) are on everyone’s mind on February 14, so why not use the one you have to help potentially save a life? You can even turn it into a fun date idea! Just grab your SO, share a light meal, donate, and split a snack. You can check if your school is hosting a blood drive soon, see if the closest hospital collects blood, or visit an American Red Cross location near you. Did you know they even have a Leaders Save Lives program where you can win scholarship money for organizing a drive at your own school?
Related: 5 Great Scholarship Opportunities for Acts of Kindness and Service
Heal a heart
Again, hearts are literally everywhere—fitting for romance and National Heart Month! This Valentine’s Day, you could help save a few hearts from disease and stroke. See if one of your clubs is willing to host a fundraiser, like selling flowers or a bake sale, and donate the money raised to an organization geared toward fighting heart disease, like the American Heart Association. No one wants a broken heart on Valentine’s Day—fight heart disease to mend all the broken hearts (in the non-metaphorical sense).
Read a book
What love is stronger than the kind you feel for your favorite book? Luckily February is also National Library Lover’s Month, so you can show your love for all the books, not just your favorite, this Valentine’s Day. Mosey on down to your local public library, not just the one at your high school, and see what you can do to help out. You and your friends could even put up flyers in the hallways at school encouraging other students to get library cards. Talk to your librarian about hosting a Blind Date with a Book event and help people find their literary soulmate. Or just bring your sweetheart to the library for a cute Valentine’s date. What’s a more romantic place than the library? (It worked for the Beast.)
Also, if you’re someone who ran out of shelf space for books years ago (guilty), consider donating some of those books to the library. It’s the ultimate sacrifice, but think of how many more people can read those books if you donate them. Plus, imagine how many more books you can get if you make more space. That’s a win-win!
Related: The Best Ideas for Dates on Your College Campus
Valentine's Day is a major commercial holiday these days that a lot of people have a hard time getting into, especially when you're the single friend. But there are so many ways to spread love and positive vibes beyond romance. Consider giving back to others this love day by volunteering your time, money, or a few books you care to spare. Happy Valentine's Day!
