The Valentine Project: Spreading Hope, Love & Joy
The Valentine Project (TVP) began with a mission to spread love, hope, and joy to children and families affected by pediatric cancer and chronic illness. Founded by two siblings who understood the unique challenges these families face, the project has grown into a nationwide initiative delivering personalized packages of love—filled with toys, treats, and heartfelt surprises—to children across the country. Each gesture serves as a reminder that even during the toughest times, there is a community that cares.
The joy delivered by The Valentine Project is not limited to just Valentine’s Day. Throughout the year, they keep the smiles coming through Kindness Cards that remind children that they are never alone.
“You really feel the love that is put into the packages,” says Sara Taggart, a TVP board member and volunteer. “After seeing the love, personalization, and all the thought that goes into each item, we wanted to do more.”
Sara and her family know what it’s like to receive kindness from people and organizations who want to make hard times just a little bit easier. Her daughter Annie’s medical treatments for osteogenesis imperfecta and dwarfism have required the whole Taggart family to make adjustments to their lives and routines—something Sara, husband Adam, and the additional three Taggart siblings do willingly and without complaint.
Sara shared some of the things that she most appreciated about the support provided by the TVP.
“The gifts are all personal and from the heart. There are artists, schools, and community groups who handmake the care packages. It allows each kid to know that what they received is truly for them.”
There’s nothing quite like a personal gift. When a child sees their name on something, they know it’s for them. This extra step can be a difference maker on an especially difficult day.
“The support is consistent and occurs regularly throughout the year so these kids know they can count on something.”
Holidays are hard when life is hard, but other days can be just as hard. Chronic illnesses don’t just go away, but the support often wanes quickly after a diagnosis. Initiatives like TVP remind us that support is needed for the long haul.
“The gifts come to the child’s home instead of the hospital. Surprises are nice when you are in the hospital, but hard times don’t stop just because you are home.”
The experience of being in the hospital can be traumatic, but there are difficult days at home as well. Special visitors and gifts may happen more often in the hospital, so a surprise at home can be especially nice.
“They think of the siblings, too! It’s not just about the child who has the illness. Siblings go through so much and give up so much to support their brother or sister. It’s so great to see someone think of them.”
When a child is undergoing treatment for an illness or injury, it impacts the whole family. Other children in the home may feel forgotten or less important while watching their sibling receive extra care and support. You can find more sibling support resources in a RedTreehouse.org pathway dedicated to the topic.
Being a part of The Valentine Project has been healing for the whole Taggart family. They have rallied their whole community around the project and made this act of service a part of their lives.
“It takes our minds off of our own stuff and reminds us that we’re not alone. Giving back is rejuvenating.”
To learn more about The Valentine Project or to enroll in their Kindness Card Program, visit their website.
To find additional gift-giving organizations and resources search the RedTreehouse.org Wish-Granting Support Pathway.
Contributed by Sara Taggart, a mother of four, including a child with complex medical needs. Sara has been volunteering with The Valentine Project for over 10 years. You can read her TVP board member bio here and learn more about her family in this story from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio.