Brighten Your Day

10 Year-Old Girl Makes It Her Mission Every Year To Give Out Valentine's Hugs To Those In Need

February 14, 2015

A 10 year-old girl in Minnesota has made it her mission to make sure everyone feels the love on Valentine's Day. She goes by "Carli Valentine" and has devoted her time to giving a hug and a valentine to those in need.

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For nearly seven years, Carli and her bright red wagon have been the highlight for over ninety senior citizens.

"They look forward to her coming, they remember her from past years and the project has just grown," her mom Tina Glonstead said.

Small bags of goodies are a sweet surprise, but ask anyone what their favorite part is and they'll tell you it's not the candy.

"The hugs... The hugs are the greatest," a senior at the home said.

MyFox9.com

One by one, deliberately patient Carli makes time for everyone to get a special hug on Valentine's Day.

MyFox9.com

She was only four when a book read to her by her late grandma gave birth to an idea. "It's about a girl named Ruby Valentine who gives valentines to her town so I wanted to do something like that," Carli said.

Beyond the sweets and hugs Carli says she really just loves meeting new people. The 10-year-old has expanded her Valentine's Day operation to other outreach centers.

"It makes you feel very proud as a mom to see someone that small making connections with people," Glonstead said. "It's incredible."

Along the way young Carli said she has learned a lot about life, "If you want to achieve something just work at it and you can do it."

Valentine also made stops at a center for adults with disabilities and a shelter for homeless kids. In all, she handed out more than 650 goody bags.

Credit: MyFox9.com