Sharing the Love: DC Public Charter School Students Bring Valentine Cheer to the Community
This Valentine’s Day season, some DC public charter schools are showing that learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through the Valentines for Kids Campaign, students across the city are channeling creativity, compassion, and community spirit into handmade Valentine’s Day cards for children and adults in hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities throughout the region.
ValentinesByKids.org is a local nonprofit that partners with schools to make the campaign possible. Envelopes are delivered to participating schools in mid December, giving students time to create thoughtful cards written in English or Spanish. The completed valentines are delivered to community members who benefit from messages of care, encouragement, and connection. More than a dozen DC Public Charter Schools are participating in the program, including BASIS DC PCS, DC International School, KIPP DC PCS, Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS, and Washington Yu Ying PCS.
"We are so lucky to have the DC [Public] Charter schools participating in our project. It's such a wonderful opportunity to show children the importance of empathy and community service. At the same time, you can imagine the joy these valentines bring to the faces of the people who receive them," said Patrick Kaufman, founder and president of Valentines by Kids.
At DC International School, students were eager to participate and lead with purpose. Clarisa P. shared, “I wanted to participate in this project because I love the feeling that I get when making children happy. I would love to help others feel like they are appreciated. I hope that students learn that even the smallest things can give someone happiness.”
Other students echoed similar sentiments. Sofia W. reflected, “I hope that students learn how their actions can have a positive impact on so many people.” Lea A. added that the project gave her the opportunity “to help my community and make others feel good even in the condition they are struggling in.” Ryann N. emphasized the importance of empathy, noting that creating cards is “a meaningful way to bring joy to children in need and help them feel loved and supported during a hard time.”
Educators see the campaign as a natural extension of school culture. Lauren Hilliard, KIPP DC Lead Academy Principal, explained, “One of our core values is love, and we believe in spreading love at every opportunity. This project allowed our students to practice compassion and joy in a meaningful way. We hope students gain a deeper understanding of empathy, kindness, and the power of small gestures.”
The Valentines for Kids Campaign highlights how service learning helps students build empathy, strengthen community connections, and see their ability to make a difference. In the end, these handmade cards serve as small but powerful reminders that kindness truly matters. More than 55,000 students, schools, and scout troops around the country participated in this year’s project.
Check out these photos of students from several DC public charter schools in action, creating their valentines.
