About The Valentine Project

The Valentine Project is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that works to support children whose lives are affected by cancer or chronic illness.

The volunteer-driven organization sends one-of-a-kind Valentine packages filled with hope, love, and joy across the miles to kids from birth to 21 years old in Ohio and the San Francisco Bay area. In 2018, more than 900 children received a care package from The Valentine Project by volunteers from around the world!

The Valentine Project was co-founded by Gregory Margida in 2010, along with his sister, Michaela, while he was still in high school.

Greg met Karlie Plas at a camp for kids with cancer; The Valentine Project is in honor of her.

Gradually, the entire Margida family and theirs became close. As a teenager, Gregory had already discovered that loving service to others was not just a duty, it was a privilege. His number one goal was always to make Karlie smile, and now he works to send children love, hope, and joy in Karlie’s memory.

Gregory serves on The Valentine Project Board of Directors and is the Founding Executive Director of the organization’s recently formed San Francisco branch. He is a graduate of Grinnell College and currently works in Disaster Management and Preparedness for the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

He plans to attend graduate school next year. In his free time, he is training for his next half marathon, learning to navigate San Francisco life on a budget, and always dreaming up new ways to help more children whose lives are affected by cancer or chronic illness. As The Valentine Project’s networker-in-chief, he is always bringing people together to support The Valentine Project. We are very grateful for Greg’s determination and dedication, helping The Valentine Project serve more and more children each year.