Operation Cupid relies on students, community volunteers and business and citizen donations for assembling bags of snack items, Valentine cards and phone calling cards to send to National Guard members servingabroad.

The program was conceived two years ago by Scarborough Middle School students, and assisted by Tom Griffin, health teacher, and Mary Nablo, community volunteer.

This year, according to Griffin, the goal is to reach more than 400 Maine soldiers in the 240th Engineer Group; 399 Combat Support Hospital; Alpha Company, SECFOR II; and the 172nd Mountain Infantry Co.

“Our hope is to provide each soldier with an international calling card so that he/she can call a loved one during Valentine’s Day,” said Griffin.

The public is being asked to support Operation Cupid by making a $10 contribution (or any amount that can be afforded) by Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Individuals and companies donating $10 or more will have their names listed in a local paper as a supporter of Operation Cupid. Checks should be made out to Scarborough Middle School and can be mailed to:

Operation Cupid

Scarborough Middle School

44 Gorham Road

Scarborough, Maine 04074

Once donations are received and supplies gathered, Scarborough Middle School Builders Club, the high school Key Club and Kiwanis members will assemble and package the 400-plus bags, adorned with hearts and well-wishes.

Scarborough Downs has again agreed to support shipping costs associated with the effort and Wal-Mart, Scarborough, has agreed to donate snacks and candy.

Additionally, several companies and organizations will display posters at convenient sites throughout Scarborough. The displays will provide the public with Valentine cards to express support and show the soldiers how much neighbors back home appreciate their service.

The Valentine cards can be picked up beginning Jan. 15, completed and dropped off by Jan. 26 at the following locations:

• Ace Hardware (Oak Hill and Dunstan stores)

• Wal-Mart, Payne Road

• Scarborough Post Office, Gorham Road

• Scarborough Pubic Library, Gorham Road

• Freaky Bean Coffee Co., Route 1

• Scarborough Town Hall, Route 1

For further information, contact Griffin by e-mail at

tgriffi@scarborough.k12.us.me, or call 730-4800;

Jim Damicis, Scarborough Kiwanis Club,

jdamicis@maine.rr.com, or 831-1061; or

Mary Nablo, community volunteer,

mnablo@maine.rr.com