‘Be Our Valentine:’ Samaritans of Boston to hand out sweet notes at North Station
For love-struck couples, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to put on pink, pucker up, and pig out on sweets, but for some lovelorn singles, the Hallmark holiday can really slather on the blues.
That’s why a local suicide prevention group will put on “‘Be Our Valentine” at North Station on Thursday afternoon.
Volunteers with Samaritans of Boston will shell out hand made cards to commuters traveling in and out of the bustling MBTA station.
“Valentine’s Day is a time when everyone is celebrating couples, and if you’re not in a loving relationship, or just coming off of a break up it can be a particularly sad time,” said Roberta Hurtig, executive director of Samaritans.
According to the group’s Marketing Director Garrett Owen, the hand written Valentines aim to make people feel like they are not alone, and also spread the word about Samaritans
“Hopefully (the Valentines) remind people that there are folks in Boston that care about them,” he said.
The notes contain cheerful messages like, “Thanks for making Boston a better and brighter place!” “Happy, Happy Valentine”s Day! Thanks for being You!” “You’re wicked awesome! Won’t you be mine?” and “Hope your day is extra special – just like you!”
It is the first time the organization has put on the Valentine’s Day good deed, which is part of its new “Happier Boston Campaign.”
“Suicidal people are often dealing with multiple serious undiagnosed mental health issues,” said Hurtig. “This is not to say something as easy as a Valentine or a smile will change that, but it does allow for a moment of conversation.”
Samaritans 24-hour suicide hotline is 877-870-4673. Contrary to popular belief, the Christmas season is not the most troubling time for suicidal people. According to Psychology Today, suicide rates are higher in the spring and summer months.
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