Bring Homeless at Heart to Your City

A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, or community leader, you can start a Homeless at Heart initiative right where you are. Here’s our simple step-by-step guide to help you bring kindness and Valentine’s joy to those in need.

1. Plan Ahead
The earlier you begin, the smoother things will run. Summer and early fall are ideal for visiting shelters, learning about their needs, and gauging their interest. While our very first campaign came together in just five weeks, we recommend completing most planning by Thanksgiving.

2. Understand the Core Components

  • Demand: shelters and organizations serving homeless individuals.

  • Supply: the boxes and cards that will be delivered.

  • Logistics: your plan for connecting supply with demand.

3. Identify Local Shelters

Start with a Google search for “homeless shelters” in your city. Then:

  • Call or email shelters to introduce the program.

  • Share the Homeless at Heart website.

  • Schedule a personal visit to build trust and understand their needs.

  • Get a headcount (men, women, children) to determine demand.

4. Set Your Goal

Decide how many boxes and cards you’ll deliver.

  • 50 bags = a great starting goal.

  • 200 bags = ambitious but achievable with strong support.

Note: it’s better to fully serve fewer shelters than to stretch resources too thin.

5. Recruit Volunteers

Invite students, parents, and friends who are reliable and enthusiastic. Set clear, realistic goals for each person and keep them updated on progress.

6. Choose Box Contents

We recommend every Valentine including:

  • Bottled water, socks, and a handwritten Valentine’s card.

  • Non-perishable snacks, breakfast foods, and toiletries.

  • Valentine’s candy, books, or small toys for children.

  • Hygiene products for adults.

Tip: Keep costs low (average $5 per kit). Buy in bulk at stores like Costco to stretch donations further.

7. Collect Donations & Raise Funds

The more donations you receive, the more Valentine’s kits you can create. Try:

  • Online fundraising such as GoFundMe.

  • Partnerships with local businesses (grocery, drug stores, etc.) for in-kind donations.

  • Contributions from family, friends, and neighbors (cash, supplies, handwritten cards, or gift cards)

  • Direct, tax-deductible donations to Homeless at Heart (all designated funds go back to your initiative).

8. Assemble Valentine’s Kits

By Thanksgiving, shift focus to execution. Host a packing day event with your volunteers—it’s a fun way to build excitement and teamwork.

9. Develop Your Delivery Plan

  • Deliver kits within 7 days of Valentine’s Day.

  • Involve volunteers so they too can experience the joy of giving.

  • Capture photos, videos, and testimonials to share the impact.

10. Share Your Initiative

Let us know about your campaign— we’d love to highlight your hard work! Share your story with local media and on social platforms to inspire others to get involved.

Additional Tips for Successful Campaigns

Points of Entry

Most schools and churches have community service coordinators—reach out to them early (August–September) to get approval and support for your project.

Student & Parent Advocates

Invite students and parents to be ambassadors for your campaign. They can spread the word, rally friends, and even host small gatherings where participants decorate cards or pack bags together. These mini-events create excitement and build momentum.

Activity Ideas by Age Group

Every age group can contribute in meaningful ways. Here are some ideas tailored to different stages:

  • Preschool & Elementary: Focus on writing and decorating Valentine’s cards—kids love adding color and creativity.

  • Middle School: Take the lead on fundraising and donation programs. Add fun incentives like pizza parties or prizes to keep students motivated.

  • High School: Get involved in the bigger tasks like packing bags, organizing logistics, and delivering donations directly to shelters.

Why Start a Campaign?

Starting a Homeless at Heart campaign in your city is more than a service project—it’s a way to channel your energy, creativity, and compassion into something tangible. Whether you take it on yourself or lead a group, you’ll deliver more than essentials—you’ll deliver love and hope on Valentine’s Day.

For questions or support, reach out: LaToya Hargrove at latoya@homelessatheart.org