On Feb. 8,  40 children in the Boothbay Region’s after school program joined adults at the Community Center for a fun afternoon creating handmade valentines.  

The second annual event included children as young as pre-kindergarten age who arrived in two separate groups. Each group had about an hour to work on their valentines and alternated valentine activities with sledding.

Kim Hilgendorf, owner of Lighthouse Learning Center, brought the children as part of Boothbay Region Elementary School’s  after school program. They arrived excited and ready to make valentines and quickly chose materials from a number of items.

Every child entering the valentine room received a paper bag with their name and a glue stick — indispensable items for anyone making valentines. After that, they were free to choose their own materials from long tables covered with items. The children were served snacks and apple juice to help keep their creativity flowing.

Angel Ames and Stephanie Guite and Center volunteers donated materials. Stickers were the most popular decoration and the children looked for subjects their valentine recipients would enjoy.

According to Hilgendorf, center director Jane Good had raised the possibility last year of creating some after school programs. Last year’s first valentine-making event included children from the YMCA after school program.

The event was so successful and the children were so enthusiastic that this year the event needed two vans to transport the participants, who needed to divide into two smaller groups because of limited space at the center.

The children made valentines for family members and friends as well as for residents at Safe Havens at Saint Andrews Village.

Because the event has been so successful, Hilgendorf is looking at other types of activities to share with the center. This coming year the events may include handmade Christmas ornaments as well. Judging from the valentine crafters, she will have an enthusiastic group of children participating.