February is quickly approaching, which means Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it. February has long been known as the month to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether or not you celebrate Valentine’s Day, it is important to remember that love is not reserved for a significant other – love can be put into every action and interaction in daily life.

The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) celebrates love in a number of ways and we are fortunate to be the recipient of many acts of love throughout the year. Every donation, volunteer opportunity, and connection is an act of love.

Donations to RACF, especially those in memory or in honor of a loved one, are a visible and impactful way to convey your compassion. Donations like these are particularly special, as they hold a tremendous amount of value to RACF and the donor.

Volunteering is another form of showing love. As Elizabeth Andrew once said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” When our nonprofit partners are in need of assistance, volunteers make the world of difference in the success of their service they provide or even at an event. Spending your precious time with RACF and our nonprofit partners is a truly selfless act of love.

Both volunteering and making a donation start with a connection, and connection is the foundation of love. RACF is always working to build more connections to those with a philanthropic heart.

This February how will you celebrate love? RACF is celebrating by spreading the love throughout our community, as our 2022 Community Needs Grants opens up to accept applications on Feb 1. Last year, we were fortunate to support 28 nonprofits through these grants.

If you would like to celebrate love through making a donation or establishing an endowment fund through the RACF, please call me at 815-561-3600 or send an email to director@rochellefoundation.org.

Emily Anaya is the executive director of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.