Newtown Hearts of Hope invites everyone to join them for their February “Paint with a Purpose” virtual event scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, from 6-7 pm.

The entire month of February is dedicated to sending messages of love and support to our troops. Hearts painted locally will be delivered to recipients by Captain Sean Lee, local Newtown dentist and National Guard member.

The goal is to paint 100 hearts with personalized messages to send to troops via Dr Lee, DDS, who spends his weekdays as a dentist for Newtown Smile and his weekends as a Massachusetts National Guard member. Newtown Senior Center is working on a similar project, “Valentines for Troops,” which will also be delivered by Dr Lee.

Donna Monteleone, US Army Captain and Acting Post Commander for the American Legion-Newtown, will be the special guest for the February 16 virtual event.

Monteleone points out that Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day to show love to the troops. Community members are invited to paint during the entire month of February for the troops. Families, schools, scouts, faith groups, et al, can all order individual paint kits at ourheartsofhope.org for $10 each which include all the supplies needed to create the unique works of art.

For those who can pick up their orders from Newtown Community Center — on Tuesdays between 5 and 6 pm and Thursdays between 5 and 8 pm — use the code LOCAL to avoid shipping charges at checkout.

The virtual “Paint with a Purpose” event will begin at 6 pm. The Zoom link will be sent when an order is placed through the Hearts of Hope website. The virtual event allows participants to paint while eating a meal and gathering as a family, group of friends, or even work colleagues.

Hearts of Hope volunteers emphasize that anyone can make any day into a “paint event to spread kindness” for family and friends, rather than just one hour a month.

The January “Paint with a Purpose” was the first virtual event for Hearts of Hope-Newtown. Participants of all ages logged on to meet and hear from Kristen Angell, associate director of advocacy for The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). While Angell spoke about NORD and its mission, guests joined her in painting hearts for NORD clients.

For additional information or to request local delivery or pick-up, contact the HOH-Newtown chapter at newtown@ourheartsofhope.org.

Next month’s Paint With A Purpose event is scheduled for March 16, at Newtown Community Center, where guests will create hearts for Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut.