~  Will You Be My V...olunteer? There's no shortage of ways you can help. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, favorite nonprofit, or offer to tutor a child in reading or math. 

 ~  Put the "Fun" in Fundraising. If you're taking that special someone out for a pricey dinner, why not have your bill go to a good cause? Check your newspaper or online city pages for Valentine-themed fundraisers that support local nonprofits. Or better yet, throw your own happy hour or party and donate the proceeds to charity.

 ~  Give a Little Bit. Sometimes a little helps a lot! Looking to put your money where your mouth is? Donate a dollar a day to a cause that calls to you. 

~  Send Love Letters. Not just to your sweetheart, but to people and organizations that are doing good things for the world. Tell them why you respect and appreciate their work, and that they really do make a difference. If you're feeling extra romantic, include a donation.

  ~  Reach Out to Those in Need. Deliver homemade Valentine's or heart-shaped cookies to the sick, the elderly, the homeless and their caregivers. Call a local children's hospital, nursing home, domestic violence or homeless shelter and ask how you can donate an hour or two of your time.

~  Give Gifts That Give. There are dozens of charitable shopping sites and online nonprofit stores selling gifts for a good cause. 

 ~  Remember Those Who Serve You. Think of all those people who make your life easier and more convenient every single day. Give a thank you card to the bus driver or the barista who serves you your latte. Personally thank the janitor who keeps your office or campus clean. And don't forget about our military!

~  Clean Your Closets. Get a head start on spring cleaning and donate clothes, toys, furniture, household items and old computers to nonprofits accepting them. Check your local Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries.

~  Love Your Mother (Earth). Take the trash challenge: For one day see if you can generate zero trash. Zip, nada, nothing. No cardboard boxes, no disposable containers, no bottled water. Think of what you can reduce and re-use and call your county or city waste management to find out about local compost programs.

~  Adopt a Pet for a Day. Offer to take care of a pet for an ill or homebound neighbor. Volunteer at your local animal shelter to take the dogs for a walk. 

~  Be a Fair-Trade Valentine. Buy certified fair-trade chocolate from companies that make sure small-scale farmers receive higher and more stable prices for their cocoa. 

~  Be Kind While You Dine. Taking your sweetie for a steak dinner this V-Day? Choose a restaurant that sources its meat from sustainable, humanely treated and harvested animals & farms. 

~  Celebrate with Small Acts of Kindness. Valentine's Day isn't the only holiday in Frebruary: February 9-15th is Random Acts of Kindness Week. What can you do? Pay for a coffee, lunch, or a toll for the person behind you in line. Tape the exact change for a soda to a vending machine. Send cards with joyful messages to strangers. Collect canned goods for a food bank. Shovel a neighbor's driveway or babysit a friend's child for free.