HAMC Auxiliary members and volunteers went out and about on Valentine’s Day, delivering songs and valentines to Rugby businesses, schools, and other places. Submitted photo

Although air temperatures sank well below zero and few people ventured into the icy sunshine last week, small groups of cheerful volunteers delivered singing valentines to delighted recipients throughout the community.

“Our singing valentines have been going on for I don’t know how many years,” smiled Shelly Block, coordinator of Heart of America Medical Center’s Auxiliary, which organizes the fundraising project.

“They’re to raise money for the Heart of America Medical Center. Of course, this year, our funds have been going toward 3D mammography equipment,” Block noted.

The auxiliary begins taking orders for the special gifts a few weeks before Valentine’s Day. Each singing valentine features a song performed by small groups of volunteers, who present recipients with a plate of freshly baked cookies and a card.

“Our auxiliary board, and some other ladies who come and help us bake ten dozen cookies, sometimes more. If someone’s sick, or can’t make it, they bake more,” Block noted.

“We start (deliveries) that morning at 7:30, and we don’t get done until 5 or 5:30. We go to people’s homes; we go to the Haaland Home; we go to the schools; here in our care center, of course, downtown businesses we go all over if somebody’s not home, they make a second attempt. As you saw last Thursday, sometimes, it’s very, very cold,” Block laughed.

She described reactions to the special gifts as “really touching. The looks on (recipients’) faces, like ‘Oooooh’,” Block said, widening her eyes.

“We actually thought twice about going out last Thursday, because it was so very cold,” Block added, “but we know how they look forward to it. Even the kids the elementary kids sit like this,” Block giggled, putting her hands to her cheeks. “The high school it’s a little embarrassing, but they love it!

“Our residents up here (in HAMC’s Long Term Care Unit) – the same thing! They love to be sung to! It’s precious!” Block smiled.

Block said singing valentines are a favorite in the community, and they’ll be back next year.

“We have certain functions every year that everyone looks forward to, and this is one. The hearts we touch this is a wonderful day,” Block said.

“This event is not going away.”