Patients spending Valentine’s Day at Children’s of Alabama will receive a boost of cheer this year thanks to a community-wide card drive aimed at spreading love during a hospital stay.

Beginning Feb. 2 and continuing through Thursday, Feb. 12, supporters can send free Valentine’s Day greeting cards to children receiving care at the Birmingham hospital. Participants can choose from three food-inspired card designs by visiting www.childrensal.org/valentines. Hospital staff will distribute the cards to patients on Friday, Feb. 13.

The effort is sponsored by Spire, a longtime supporter of Children’s of Alabama that has partnered with the hospital since 2017. In addition to sponsoring the drive, Spire will match donations made during the campaign up to $5,000, extending the impact of community giving.

Hospital officials emphasized that infection prevention control protocols remain in place. As a result, Children’s of Alabama cannot accept in-person gift donations, handmade cards, food or candy, stuffed animals, toys depicting violence, religious items, crocheted or knitted items or gently used homemade items.

Children’s of Alabama is one of the nation’s largest pediatric medical centers, serving patients from across the state and region. Community-driven initiatives like the Valentine’s Day card drive are designed to provide emotional support and a sense of normalcy for children and families during hospital stays.

Additional information about supporting Children’s of Alabama patients and programs is available at www.childrensal.org/foundation.