RAINN thanks each individual who showed their support by sending a valentine to a hotline volunteer. Thanks to you, RAINN’s dedicated volunteers received more than 1,400 messages of hope, courage, and gratitude to let them know that their hours of work to support survivors and their loved ones are seen and appreciated. Below, read an anonymous sample of the words of appreciation and encouragement from this incredible community.
A Few of the Valentines
You are all heroes!
I wouldn't be here now if it hadn't been for a volunteer who supported me through my story.
It takes a special person to do what you do. Surviving my trauma and assault has been one of the most difficult things about my life, and I could not do it without people like you. Never doubt for a moment that your work — regardless of the difficulty and pain of it — makes a difference.
Thank you for making me feel wanted and cared about.
As a survivor who used the hotline years ago, it was the first time I said the words out loud and was believed. It stays with you.
I'm a survivor, and knowing that kind, considerate, compassionate people like yourself are giving their time and energy to help sexual assault survivors is what helps me each and every day.
People's lives are better because you're there.
From a 71-year-old survivor who still feels invisible to most of the general public, friends, and family. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the sacrifices you make and the comfort you bring to people. The world is a brighter place because of you!
You bring comfort and healing to people that need it the most and you're a beautiful person. I messaged this hotline 14 years ago and it saved my life. You are a light to someone out there even if you do not know it. Thank you again!
It's hard to think of something more important than the work that you do, helping someone in one of the worst moments of their life. Wow! You ROCK.
RAINN literally saved my life after my assault, and it's because of people like you that I'm still around.
You're a wonderful person, and I envy your strength. I've financially supported RAINN with donations for a while, but I don't think I could emotionally handle the work you do. Stay strong, and know your work is appreciated.
You will forever be in the hearts of those you help.
You are making the world a little brighter with your selfless and important contribution.
You will never know the impact you are making on the people who have been affected by these crimes and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving your time to people who really do need it.
It's not always easy, and it takes a special person to be able to help someone through a crisis.
Thank you so much for listening when I needed you.
You are a lifeline of hope.