Valentine’s Day inspires countless commercials for expensive diamonds, gourmet chocolate and all things expensive and romantic. For a holiday that is supposed to be all about love, it sometimes seems to have a very narrow scope, focusing only on romantic love and overlooking love for one’s friends, family or neighbors.

But in a refreshing perspective on the holiday that celebrates all things related to love, The Case Foundation challenges singles to “Get Engaged” this Valentine’s Day by volunteering with various service organizations across the nation and making a commitment to stay engaged in their community.

Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia organized weekend service events with the Hands On Network this past weekend, but more than anything the Web site (www.casefoundation.org) encourages people to “Get Engaged” in their communities, listing the top ten organizations with volunteer opportunities and offering a plethora of suggestions for volunteering as an individual.

The Case Foundation isn’t joking – they challenge volunteers to make a commitment and give their name and e-mail address to ensure they keep their promise later in the year.

While no one has stepped forward to organize any specific events with the “Get Engaged” campaign in Abilene, the Volunteer Service-Learning Center does offer many opportunities for students to “Get Engaged,” from answering phones at the Noah Project to painting houses for Habitat for Humanity.

The only drawback to the Case Foundation’s project: it will console lonely singles with a free two-month membership to Perfectmatch.com and flowers from Organic Bouquet, which distracts from the project’s challenge to “share the love” and could work to direct people’s thoughts back in the wrong direction: toward themselves. Regardless, if the project works to encourage people to love in less traditional ways this holiday, it’s a commendable effort, especially considering the excess of money spent on the holiday.

According to aboutflowers.com, 189 million roses were produced for Valentine’s Day in 2006. Thirty-four percent of yearly revenue comes from the holiday – proof enough that the holiday produces plenty of sales. In 2001, a survey conducted by the International Mass Retail Association projected 18 to 24 year olds would spend the most money on Valentine’s Day at an estimated average of $183.80. The college demographic obviously recognizes and celebrates the holiday – so why not find alternative ways to celebrate this year?

This is not to suggest that all the romance traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day is wrong, but The Optimist would like to point out other ways to look at the holiday that celebrates love. Love your roommate, love your significant other, love your family, but love your neighbor, too – even the one you don’t know.

So whether or not you have a significant other this holiday, “Get Engaged” and show love in a different way this Valentine’s Day.