Patrick Kaufmann, 18, has helped thousands of people living with serious illnesses feel loved on Valentine’s Day. For the last eight years, Patrick has organized students from around the D.C. area to make valentines for Food & Friends’ clients, as well as individuals in the hospital, hospice, and nursing homes. In a full circle moment, the high school senior recently made his final delivery of valentines to Food & Friends – where his project Valentines By Kids began – before he heads to college and looks to pass his project on.
“It’s been really special coming here every year, seeing all the volunteers packing the meals, knowing the cards are going to a good place,” Patrick said. “It’s a little sad, but I’m excited for the next chapter.”
Patrick’s efforts began as a 10-year-old, volunteering at Food & Friends. He was tasked with making valentines to include in medically tailored meal and grocery deliveries for individuals living with serious illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. After realizing that he and the other 15 or so kids present wouldn’t be able to make enough for everyone, Patrick asked his friends at school to help make cards, delivering 300 that year. Recipients were so grateful to be recognized and sent a flood of thank you messages, leading Patrick to grow the project with the goal of reaching anyone who may not receive a Valentine’s Day card. Valentines By Kids became a nonprofit in 2021, and the Washington International School student estimates he’s helped deliver about 150,000 valentines.
“It’s been amazing. I’ve seen a lot of thank you letters saying it’s the only Valentine’s Day card they’d received that day and it really changed their day,” the Potomac, Maryland, teen said. “That’s what’s kept me going to expand this project.”
Ofelia Valentin, who receives Food & Friends meals while facing stage 4 renal disease, became emotional recounting the impact of finding a valentine in her meal delivery. As an artist, she loved the drawing on her card, which she treasures.
“I appreciated it with all my heart. It meant the world to me,” Valentin said. “Somebody remembered me.”
Patrick’s delivery to Food & Friends of 2,000 cards this year was also emotional. He was met with hugs from CEO Carrie Stoltzfus, Board President Fernando Garcia, and Senior Philanthropy Officer Buffy Debreaux-Watts, who have watched him grow up. He is heading to Boston College in the fall and plans to study economics. In the meantime, Patrick is looking for another group to take over his mission so people can continue receiving valentines while he’s away.
This year, Valentines By Kids’ delivered 55,000 handmade cards. Part of that growth was thanks to a Food & Friends connection. CEO Carrie Stoltzfus connected Patrick with the group Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital, which helped create thousands of cards, making this year’s effort their largest year yet.
“It’s really special just to know that many people are going to see a Valentine’s Day card. It’s a really special moment,” he said.
Food & Friends is incredibly grateful to Patrick and Valentines By Kids, for helping make our neighbors’ day just a little bit more special. To learn more about their work, visit their website at https://valentinesbykids.org/.