HAPPY VALENTINE’s DAY 2026!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 2026!

Wow! Wow! Wow! It’s hard not to sound like a broken record as I gush about my amazement for every person involved in this 13 year long stone soup effort! Love Continues to Find a Way!

My brother-in-law Josh went into the ICU just before Halloween and passed away just before Christmas. Our little family was completely absorbed in the emotional and practical considerations of his sickness and death. As the new year rang in and we were planning the funeral I just didn’t think it would be possible to make the valentines happen, but then you all stepped in and reminded me that the most extraordinary thing about this project is that is isn’t about any one of us - it truly is the fruit of a vast community. Before I had a chance to call it off it was clear that it could indeed be done. I am astounded how each year different people contribute in different ways. We never know what the budget will be, what the primary ingredients will be, what it will all look like, or how it will come together, but it just miraculously does. Each of you reading this are part of that recurring miracle. Even if you didn’t send anything in this year, truly if you have contributed in anyway, at anytime over the years, you are a critical part of the love that was spread to 525 survivors of domestic abuse and trafficking living in temporary shelter at 15 facilities across New York City & the Berkshires on February 14th 2026. All of this happened without my being there to pack or sort anything.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The bags were backed by school kids and their parents and stuffed with jewelry, lipstick. sweets, toiletries, and even handmade scarves. This year we realized what an essential and beautiful part of the project the donation of stuff is - we love the spirit of passing on quality items that others would treasure, and the pool of volunteers able to make this happen without me on the ground has grown, so I am thrilled to announce we will be accepting donations of unused cosmetics and toiletries, and gently used jewelry, scarves, bags, etc for Valentine’s Day 2027. Earrings in particular are a great gift item. So, if you come across anything like kicking around in your closet, or of someone gives you something that is lovely, but not quite you, you can pass it right on to the Valentine Community Project any time of year. Ideas for what to send can be found here. Please address contributions of stuff to Rose Ruesing 45-14 245th Street Douglaston, NY 11362. Be sure to send me a text (954-604-1880) or an email (emilysottile) with a picture or description of what you are sending.

The Valentine Community has packed and gifted over 5,000 valentines gift bags since 2013. I am overwhelmed and humbled by this, by all of you. Thank you for making this possible. Thank you for teaching me so much about love, faith, and community.

As always we wish you a St. Valentine's day brimming with love and delight!

With Much Love,
Emily Valentine Sottile (Barker) & the extraordinary people who made this all happen

Check out gift bags from years past in the navigation menu. If you are inspired by this and would like to join our effort to spread love on Valentine’s Day 2027 please be in touch.

525 Valentines at 15 shelters

All of the ladies received a pink toiletry kit containing:
♥ Valentine's day card from the Valentine Community
♥ Bag of chocolate kisses
♥ Lipstick
♥ Earrings
♥ A piece of vintage costume jewelry
♥ Toiletries
(men received a less girly version of the same sort of stuff)
OUR CARD TO THE VALENTINES

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

This bag is full of Valentine’s Day goodies, each accompanied by prayers & wishes for your well-being & happiness.

Scores of people came. together from wildly different circumstances to contribute to these gift bags including artists, moms, dads, teenage valentines, wise old ones, school kids, teachers, beauty queens, clergy, people who work with their hands & others who work at desks, some out of work, veterans, healers, people who have endured all kinds of difficulty, souls from diverse spiritual traditions & folks who might not imagine they had anything in common with each other. This community spread out across country wants YOU to know we are rooting for your success, wellbeing & joy.

When you look at or use these things we hope you will remember thus time when you made a big step towards healing. We know you’ll look great when you use or wear these little treasures. We hope you feel strong & beautiful too!

Peace,
Your Valentines