Share the Love on Valentine’s Day Posted on February 12, 2016 by Grounded Strategies Share this post Roses Are Red, Violets are Blue, The lot next door is vacant, What should I do? After Groundhog’s Day, the biggest thing to happen to February is Valentine’s Day. While the mere thought of candy hearts and doilies may make you shudder, not everything about Valentine’s Day has to be cheesy. This year, try something different and point cupid’s arrow at a vacant lot. Across the country, organizations and cities are incorporating vacancy into their celebrations on February 14th. Here are a few we really like: Center for Community Progress’ #LoveThatLot campaign Nationwide Last year, the Center for Community Progress put out a call for Valentine’s – Valentine’s for vacant spaces, that is. Over 100 photos of once-vacant spaces reimagined into parks, gardens, playspaces..and much more, were shared using #LoveThatLot. This year, they’re going for 200! Download and send one of their Valentine’s to a special someone who has revitalized a lot in your community, or share your vision for a vacant, underutilized space in your community. Here at GTECH, we’re taking part in the campaign, will you? Use #LoveThatLot on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to share your own story this week. You can click #LoveThatLot on social media to see what individuals and organizations across the country are doing to tackle vacancy and blight! Make sure you also tag us @GTECHStrategies so we can follow all the great things going on. We will showcase some lots that have been loved this year on our social media pages, and our friends at Propel are already sharing how much they #LoveThatLot – the Green Playces Northside project. Buy your sweetheart a vacant lot Newark, NJ “Bring your sweetheart to Newark on (Feb. 14, 2015) and start calling Newark home.” Last year for Valentine’s Day, the city of Newark, NJ offered couples the opportunity to purchase a vacant lot. Couples who committed to living in Newark for at least 5 years could purchase a vacant lot for $1000 on Valentine’s day. Check out the NextCity article that covered the initiative. Heart Bombs Buffalo, Pittsburgh… “The premise is simple: Construct old-fashioned valentines to your favorite places that need some love, then shower them with affection on Valentine’s Day to show everyone how much you really care.” A few years ago, Buffalo’s Young Preservationists heart bombed a vacant building. The trend took off, and soon vacant buildings were being heart bombed across the country. This year, Pittsburgh’s Young Preservationists are planning a series of heart bombings – in the West End and Northside, and the Hilltop. Register as an organ donor Across the country Valentine’s Day isn’t the only holiday celebrated on February 14th. It’s also National Donor Day. Read more about organ donation in PA here. You can also register online to be an organ donor in the State of Pennsylvania.