Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Launches Annual Valentine’s Day Card Drive with Space-Themed Fun and Community Giving
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is once again inviting the community to share love, encouragement, and kindness through its beloved annual Valentine’s Day card drive—an initiative that brings joy to hospitalized children while also supporting vital pediatric care. This year’s campaign, now live on CHLA.org, features a playful space theme designed to spark imagination and brighten the days of young patients who are spending the holiday away from home, school, and friends.
Adding an extra layer of impact to this heartwarming tradition, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, a longtime supporter of CHLA, will donate $1 to the hospital for every Valentine’s card sent with a personalized message through February 13. The donation campaign is capped at $50,000, meaning every message of love not only lifts a child’s spirits but also contributes to lifesaving programs, services, and resources at one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals.
A Celebration of Kindness for Kids Who Need It Most
For most children, Valentine’s Day is filled with classroom parties, candy exchanges, and handmade cards shared with friends. For children in the hospital, however, these simple joys can feel out of reach. That’s why CHLA’s Child Life team works hard each year to recreate the magic of the holiday within hospital walls.
“Exchanging valentines gives kids an opportunity to extend kindness toward others,” explains Carol Hamamoto, Director of Child Life, Expressive Arts & Therapies, and Volunteer Resources at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “We recognize how important this tradition is, especially for our hospitalized patients who are missing out on celebrations with their classmates, friends, and family. Because of that, our team creates a special experience filled with heart-shaped balloons, festive goodie bags, and Valentine’s Day cards carrying thoughtful messages from our community supporters.”
The Valentine’s Day card drive is more than a seasonal event—it’s a reminder to young patients that they are seen, supported, and cared for by people far beyond the hospital. For children undergoing treatment, managing chronic conditions, or recovering from surgery, a cheerful card can offer a powerful emotional boost during a challenging time.
Space-Themed Cards to Inspire Smiles
This year’s theme takes Valentine’s Day celebrations to new heights—literally. Supporters who visit CHLA.org/Valentine can choose from three colorful, space-inspired card designs:
- A whimsical unicorn leaping over the moon
- A lovable koala bear riding a rocket ship
- A cheerful, one-eyed alien cruising through space
The playful illustrations were selected to appeal to children of all ages and backgrounds, bringing a sense of adventure and imagination to the holiday. The space theme reinforces a simple but meaningful idea: when it comes to kindness and compassion, the sky truly is the limit.
A Simple Two-Step Way to Make a Difference
Participating in the card drive is quick, easy, and meaningful. The process takes only a few minutes, but the impact can last much longer for the child who receives the message.
Step 1: Visit CHLA.org/Valentine and choose one of the three space-themed card designs.
Step 2: Write a heartfelt Valentine’s message to a patient.
That’s it. No stamps, envelopes, or mailing required. Every card submitted with a message automatically triggers a $1 donation from Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, up to the $50,000 goal. It’s a small action with a big ripple effect—spreading love to patients while strengthening the hospital’s ability to provide world-class pediatric care.
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe: A Sweet Partnership
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe has built a reputation not only for its beloved pastries and Cuban-inspired treats but also for its commitment to community support. By partnering with CHLA for the Valentine’s Day card drive, Porto’s is helping transform simple messages into meaningful financial support.
Funds raised through this initiative help CHLA continue offering specialized medical treatments, innovative therapies, and comprehensive support services for children and families. From advanced medical technology to child life programs that promote emotional well-being, every dollar contributes to creating a more healing, compassionate environment for young patients.
Hand-Delivered Messages of Hope
All printed cards and messages received through February 13 will be personally delivered by CHLA’s Child Life team to patients throughout the hospital. These dedicated professionals are specially trained to support the emotional and developmental needs of children facing medical challenges. By delivering the valentines directly, they help ensure that each child feels the warmth and sincerity behind every message.
The moment a patient receives a card can be deeply meaningful. For some children, it serves as a welcome distraction from medical procedures. For others, it’s a reminder that they are not alone. Even a few encouraging words can help ease anxiety, lift spirits, and create a sense of connection.
A Global Outpouring of Support
While CHLA is rooted in Los Angeles, the Valentine’s Day card drive has reached far beyond Southern California. In past years, patients have received well wishes from supporters across the United States and around the world, including Canada, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The international participation highlights a shared human instinct to comfort and encourage children in need, no matter the distance.
Each card represents a moment of compassion—proof that kindness can travel across cities, countries, and continents to reach a child who needs it most.
The Power of Community During Challenging Times
Hospitalization can be isolating for children and their families. Being away from familiar routines, friends, and school can make holidays especially difficult. Initiatives like the Valentine’s Day card drive help bridge that emotional gap, bringing community warmth into hospital rooms.
For families, seeing their child light up at the sight of a colorful card or reading a sweet message can offer a much-needed moment of relief. For hospital staff, it’s a reminder of the broader network of people who stand behind their work and the patients they serve.
Join the Mission to Spread Love
With just a few clicks, anyone can take part in this uplifting tradition. Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, employee, or simply someone who wants to brighten a child’s day, your message matters. Every card is a symbol of hope, encouragement, and shared humanity.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, CHLA encourages supporters to think beyond candy and flowers and consider a gift that truly makes a difference—a message of kindness for a child facing a hospital stay.
By participating in the card drive, you’re not only sending a smile into a hospital room—you’re helping fuel the care, programs, and services that support children’s healing journeys every day.
To send a card and be part of this meaningful effort, visit CHLA.org/Valentine before February 13. One message, one dollar, one smile at a time—together, the community can help make Valentine’s Day brighter for children who need it most.
About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is at the forefront of pediatric medicine and is the largest provider of hospital care for children in California. Since its founding in 1901, CHLA has delivered a level of pediatric care that is among the best in the world. Ranked one of the top 10 children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles provides comprehensive and compassionate care to one of the largest and most diverse pediatric patient populations in the country. The hospital is the top-ranked children’s hospital in California and the Pacific U.S. region for 2025-26. A leader in pediatric research, CHLA is among the top 10 children’s hospitals for research funding from the National Institutes of Health. The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles supports the full continuum of research, translating scientific discoveries into life-changing treatments for patients around the globe. As a pediatric academic medical center, CHLA is also home to one of the largest graduate education programs for pediatricians in the United States. The hospital’s commitment to building stronger, healthier communities is evident in CHLA’s efforts to enhance health education and literacy, introduce more people to careers in health care, and fight food insecurity
