Blue Ridge Communications recently launched its eighth annual Touch A Heart initiative designed to get personal, handmade Valentine's Day cards into the hands of those who might not otherwise receive one - particularly nursing home residents, veterans and servicemen and women.

Blue Ridge is once again encouraging everyone, young and old, to make handmade cards with their own personal touch, a special message and their name. Last year's initiative brought in over 9,000 handmade cards throughout the Blue Ridge service area that were distributed to more than 50 organizations, including nursing homes, hospitals, VFWs and other veterans' organizations.

For more information about the initiative, readers may visit http://www.brctv.com/heart21. Individuals and organizations can send their cards to Blue Ridge Communications, Attn. Cindy Mellinger, P.O. Box 150, Ephrata, PA 17522-0150. Those with questions may also contact Mellinger at 717-733-6006, ext. 2551.

The deadline to return handmade valentines to Blue Ridge is Wednesday, Feb. 3, to allow time to distribute them.