3rd Annual Valentine’s Card Drive for Youths in Foster Care

January 8, 2025

 

Richland County Children Services (RCCS), the Mansfield United Lions Club and the City of Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department are making Valentine’s Day special for youths in foster care with Valentine’s Day cards.  

 The Mansfield United Lions Club, RCCS and the City of Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department 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 February 7.    

 The community is invited to drop off or mail the unsealed Valentine’s Day cards to Richland County Children Services, 731 Scholl Road, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906 or the Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department, 100 Brinkerhoff Ave., Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, C/O Valentine’s Day Cards.  

 “Last year we collected more than 9,000 items, including Valentine’s Day Cards, books, candy, dolls, and gift bags. 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. This year we want to collect more for youths in Richland County and throughout the state of Ohio,” said Brigitte Coles, Richland County Children Services, Community Engagement Specialist.

 In Ohio there are more than 16,000 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 Parks Department loves being involved with this effort every year," said Angel Singleton, Recreation Coordinator. "A card is a simple and kind gesture that shows you care. The small effort really goes a long way."

 “The Mansfield United Lions have prioritized supporting the foster children of Richland County for four years. We have pride that the valentine card project has significant outreach with joy as the outcome,” said Dr. Debra Weaver, co-President of the Mansfield United Lions.

 “Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world. There are 1.4 million members of the volunteer organization in over 200 countries. The Mansfield United Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the upper building at Burton Park off of Sunset Blvd. Find us on Facebook, or email mansfieldlionsunited@gmail.com for more information on becoming a member or opportunities to partner on future projects.” said Weaver.  

 Richland County Children Services (RCCS) mission is to lead our community in assuring the safety, well-being, and permanency of children at risk of abuse and neglect.  

 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 Specialist at 419-774-4168 or brigitte.coles@jfs.ohio.gov. 

 

 

 

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