Spread a little love for Valentine’s

For Valentine’s Day, Huntington Beach kids and the American Legion sent some love to soldiers on the front lines.

The American Legion Post 133 and its Women’s Auxiliary sent enough care packages for 800 soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan, members said. They didn’t do it alone — Girl Scout troops, elementary school kids and plenty of churches and other community groups joined in for the effort.

The goods get sent a few times a year, but Valentine’s Day is the time of the greatest effort, auxiliary member Tina Bauer said.

“Definitely we do it for Valentine’s Day,” she said. “We enjoy doing that, and the kids love making cards and writing letters. We love to do it and the community response is just amazing.”

The 101 packages this year contain lots of snacks like jerky and trail mix for soldiers out on patrol, along with small American flags, personal hygiene items, magazines, and, of course, chocolate for the holiday. But some items are meant to be given away, Bauer said.

“Usually when they go out on patrol they like to have toys and things to pass out to local children,” she said. “We send them Beanie Babies, toy cars and trucks — even school supplies.”

While the next drive for packages won’t be till June or July, those interested in helping out at that time can call Bauer at (714) 536-3855.

Huntington Beach seniors also got some appreciation for the holiday, as Senior Services volunteers delivered Valentine’s meals to 75 recipients Sunday, according to city reports. Funded by the Huntington Beach Council on Aging and the Handy Crafters, the meals of herbed chicken, seasoned rice, green beans and a holiday-themed sprinkle cake went to people social workers said would most benefit. All 75 also got heart magnets, donated by the Alzheimer’s Family Services center.