Blue Ridge once again encourages the public to make handmade valentines to be distributed to nursing home residents, veterans and soldiers through its ninth annual "Touch a Heart" campaign.

Last year, through the community's participation, Blue Ridge distributed more than 10,000 handmade valentines with personalized messages to more than 65 organizations, including nursing homes, hospitals and VFWs. These organizations placed the cards into the hands of people who would otherwise not receive one on Valentine's Day.

Blue Ridge will accept handmade valentines with personal touches through Thursday, Feb. 3. Individuals and organizations can send their handmade cards to Blue Ridge Communications, Attn. Cindy Mellinger, PO Box 150, Ephrata, PA 17522-0150.

For more information, visit http://www.brctv.com/heart or contact Mellinger at cmellinger@brctv.com or 717-733-6006 ext. 2551.