LONGWOOD, Fla. – With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Longwood is spreading love one handmade card at a time.
City Hall is hosting a three-day Valentine’s Day card workshop, inviting residents to create uplifting, personalized cards for hospitalized children. The event, which runs through Wednesday, Jan. 29, is part of a collaboration with Cards for Hospitalized Kids, a nonprofit organization that distributes handmade cards to children in hospitals nationwide through the Ronald McDonald House.
“This is about giving back and spreading joy to kids who might be going through tough times,” one participant said at the workshop. “Even a small gesture like this can make a big difference.”
Longwood City Hall, located at 175 W. Warren Ave., has been transformed into a crafting hub, complete with markers, stickers, colorful paper, and other supplies for participants of all ages.
For many attendees, the workshop is a chance to pay kindness forward.
“My mom still sends me Valentine’s Day cards,” one participant said. “It’s such a thoughtful tradition, and now, we’re sharing that love with kids who need it most.”
Local firefighters also joined in, sharing the impact of their involvement.
“A lot of times, we only respond to tragedies or emergencies,” a Longwood firefighter said. “This is a chance to put a smile on someone’s face without that. For these kids, a simple card could mean everything as they face challenges.”
The City of Longwood hopes to collect hundreds of cards before shipping them on Thursday, Jan. 30, to hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses across the country.
“This is the first year we’re doing this, and I plan to make it an annual event,” said Liane Cartagena, the city’s Community and Media Relations manager. “It’s amazing to see the community come together like this.”
The workshop is open to the public, and all supplies are provided. Residents can also create cards at home and drop them off at City Hall by Jan. 29.
Whether you’re an artist or simply enjoy adding stickers, there’s still time to participate and make a difference this Valentine’s Day.