8 Ways You Can Show the Love to Your Community
by Kathleen Cannon, LCSW, President and CEO at United Way Broward
Valentine’s Day often is about roses, chocolates, and romantic dinners — but at its heart, this day is about love in all its forms. A particularly powerful form of love is the kind we show to our community. When neighbors support neighbors, when people look out for one another, and when we choose compassion, we create a place where everyone can thrive.
At United Way Broward, we see every day how acts of community love — big and small — change lives. This Valentine’s Day, we invite you to expand the celebration beyond romantic relationships and consider how you can help strengthen the fabric of our shared home. Here are meaningful ways to “love your community” this season.
1. Volunteer Your Time
Even a single hour can make a difference. Whether you help pack food boxes, read to children, assist with administrative tasks, or support a community event, volunteering is one of the many direct ways to show love.
• offer your skills: tutoring, cooking, organizing, mentoring — every talent has value
• join a one‑day project — perfect for people with busy schedules
• bring a friend or family member — shared service strengthens relationships
Volunteering both helps others and builds connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
2. Support Local Families in Need
Many families in our community are working hard to make ends meet. A small gesture from you can ease stress and remind someone they’re not alone.
• donate essential items. such as diapers, hygiene products, shelf‑stable food, and warm clothing
• sponsor a family, and some agencies offer programs where you can provide targeted support
• give gift cards, which offer dignity and flexibility for families having to make tough choices
Acts of generosity — no matter the size — send a powerful message of care to the recipients.
3. Celebrate the Helpers
Valentine’s Day is a perfect moment to recognize the people who keep our community strong: teachers, social workers, first responders, caregivers, and volunteers.
• write thank‑you notes, and heartfelt messages can brighten someone’s entire week
• drop off treats or snacks — small tokens of appreciation go a long way
• share a public shout‑out — highlight a person’s or organizations work on social media or in your neighborhood group
Gratitude has a huge effect on others, and it strengthens the bonds holding communities together.
4. Practice Everyday Kindness
Not all community love requires planning or giving money. Sometimes simple gestures have the biggest impact.
• check on a neighbor, especially seniors or people who are living alone
• hold the door, smile, or say hello — small courtesies create a culture of warmth
• let someone go ahead of you in line — a seemingly insignificant act can change someone’s day
Once kindness starts, it expands.
5. Advocate for Compassionate Policies
Loving your community also means working toward systems that support everyone.
• learn about local issues — housing affordability, food security, childcare, and transportation all affect community health
• use your voice by attending meetings, writing to local leaders, or joining advocacy groups
• encourage respectful dialogue — communities grow stronger when people listen to one another
Advocacy is love in action, especially for people whose voices often are unheard.
6. Build Connections Where You Live
A strong community is built on relationships. Valentine’s Day is a great time to nurture them.
• introduce yourself to a new neighbor
• organize a small gathering for a potluck, game night, or outdoor walk
• join local groups or clubs — shared interests create lasting bonds
Connection reduces isolation and creates a sense of shared responsibility.
7. Spread Love Through Creativity
Art has a way of bringing people together.
• make handmade cards for seniors, hospital patients, or shelter residents
• decorate your window or yard with positive messages
• share uplifting stories about community heroes
Creativity inspires hope, and hope strengthens our community.
8. Support Local Organizations
Nonprofits and social‑service agencies rely on community support to continue their work. At United Way Broward, you can:
• make a donation, and even small contributions make a big difference in sustaining essential programs
• attend a community event because your presence matters
• become a volunteer
• connect with civic-minded, purpose driven people through Leaders United
• share our mission with others by word of mouth or on your social channels — awareness is a powerful form of support
When you invest in local organizations like United Way Broward, you invest in the well‑being of your entire community.
This Valentine’s Day, we hope you’ll join United Way Broward in celebrating the love in our neighborhoods, schools, shelters, parks, and gathering spaces. Community love is powerful, it uplifts people, and it reminds each of us that we have the ability to make life brighter for someone else.
Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, or simply offer a smile to a stranger, your actions matter. Together, we can build a Broward where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued — both on Valentine’s Day and every day of the year.