8,100 items Collected for 3rd Annual Valentine’s Card Drive for Foster Youths
February 13, 2025
City of Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Coordinator Angel Singleton and RCCS Executive Director Tara Lautzenhiser, expressed thanks to everyone who supported the project.
Mansfield, OH— Youths in the care of Richland County Children Services (RCCS) will have a special Valentine’s Day this year. The 3rd Annual Valentine’s Card Drive received more than 8,100 items including cards, candy, and toys from the community.
In a county-wide appeal, RCCS, the Mansfield United Lions Club, RCCS and the City of Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department asked local schools, churches, organizations, businesses, and the community to create or buy Valentine’s cards for children in foster care.
“The response was incredible this year and we are so thankful for the compassion and support of our community. People from all over Richland County, and throughout the state donated items including families, schools, churches, businesses, public officials, colleges, and correctional institutions. One of the highlights of the community drive was receiving cards from media outlets News 5 in Cleveland and Richland Source. The inspirational cards, and poems show the youths that they are special and loved,” said Brigitte Coles, Richland County Children Services, Community Engagement Supervisor.
“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,” said Coles.
RCCS also gave items to youths at the Juvenile Detention Center, Domestic Violence Shelter in Richland County, Wayfinders (former Harmony House Homeless Shelter), Akron Children’s Hospital and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Mansfield and Foundations for Living residential treatment Center for youth.
"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.
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.
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