Valentine's Day allows individuals an opportunity to celebrate their love and appreciation for those close to them.

This especially applies to veterans.

Called Valentines for Vets, there is a national effort that allows individuals to express their appreciation for what service members - past and present - have done and continue to do.

Part of a national effort to recognize veterans on Valentine's Day, the Tacoma Public Library and its nine branches are leading the charge in this area. Throughout the month of January, the library invites patrons and schoolchildren to stop in anytime to create and decorate Valentine cards that will be sent to local veterans' homes.

Materials are provided; individuals just need to show up with a sense of creativity and a desire to thank a veteran.

"This is very relevant to our community, especially with Fort Lewis in the area," said Maria Pontillas, the youth services librarian for the Tacoma Public Library, as she held up a handful of colorful cards.

The goal is to gather and distribute 200 handmade cards to the veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting and the Veterans Home in Retsil.

"Allowing patrons and school kids to do this is community service; it is a way for teachers and the community to understand the role of the military, its veterans and their sacrifices."

The major force behind the Valentines for Vets effort is Pontillas, a relatively new employee at the library.

"I hope to start a new and great tradition at the library," she said somewhat humbly.

Acknowledging that her grandfathers, a grandmother and an uncle had served in the military, Pontillas said she has a soft spot for retirement homes and the elderly.

But it is the remembering of veterans - regardless of what individuals may feel about current events in the world - on Valentine's Day that has her attention.

What's more, schools, Scouts, and community groups are welcome to participate and drop off their completed cards at the library until Friday, Feb. 5.

For more information, call (253) 591-5666.