I can't think of a better early Valentine than the one we received at Samaritans throughout the blizzard this weekend. With the dedicated support of our volunteers and program staff, our phone lines stayed live in spite of the blizzard emergency. Our intrepid program staff ensured a safe helpline office environment by supplying blankets, flashlights and food; and also deployed technology to ensure the phones would be answered even if volunteers could not get into the helpline offices. We were thrilled that our callers did not experience an interruption in service during a time of crisis.

Valentine's Day is this week, and it is making me think about how we show love to those we care about. At Samaritans we know that it is a truly loving act each time a volunteer picks up the phone and helps those who feel unloved know that there is someone who cares; when they help those who feel unheard or invisible know that a compassionate ear is only a phone call away, and when they help those who have lost hope realize that there can be light at the end of any dark tunnel. When I want an example of loving members of our community, I look no further than our Samaritan volunteers.

In the spirit of love,