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It’s that time of the year again when many people are looking ahead to February, planning their Valentine’s Day gifts and surprises.

Monarch’s annual Project Cupid aims to help you make Feb. 14 a special day for someone who is special to you.

Monarch supports developmentally disabled people who live in group homes and take part in the community by volunteering and working.

“We have only been doing this in the area for three years now,” said Lisa Lisk of Monarch, located at 228 E. Franklin St. in Rockingham. “We started years ago at our home office in Albemarle. Our CEO Peggy Terhune started it 10 years ago.”

Lisk said the packages, which you can order and have delivered to anyone in Hoke, Montgomery, Moore and Richmond counties for $14, include a stuffed bear, a heart-shaped balloon that reads “Happy Valentine’s Day,” and a coffee mug filled with assorted candy and a personalized gift card. The package “overwhelms” people when they receive it, she said.

Not only does the Valentine’s Day package surprise people, but Lisk said the people who help deliver the packages have an added affect on the recipients.

“They enjoy doing things for other people and participating in these programs,” said Lisk. “They get such excitement from it. One man who helps us deliver gets so overwhelmed with joy he hugs the people who get gifts.”

Lisk said Project Cupid lets people know they are appreciated. She said often office managers order these packages for their staff.

Janet Monroe is the manager of the Community One Bank branch of Ellerbe, and she has ordered the packages for the members of her team.

“I have been doing this for my girls for the past few years,” said Monroe. “They love it and it goes to a great cause.”

Monroe said the packages brighten the girls’ day and let them know they are appreciated.

“They were smiling and so happy,” said Monroe. “It was cute and I really enjoyed it. I do it to recognize them for their teamwork.”

The delivery of the packages is free, and orders should be placed no later than Feb. 11. Unpaid orders will not be delivered. To place your order, contact Lisk at 910-895-8466 or email her at lisa.lisk@monarchnc.org.

— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@civitasmedia.com.