heart. Today, second year math students will brighten up Valentine's Day for P.A.L.S. patients by presenting a red carnation to each.

While the rest of the world is preoccupied with how many cards, flowers and chocolates they are likely to receive, the students have decided there is more fun in doing the giving.

"It makes me feel happy to see the smiles on their faces when they receive the stuff,'' said 13-year-old Miya Bean.

"We just wanted to help people and to set a good example for our school. We do it to make them feel happy because every year they don't get anything from people.'' At Christmas the students made cardboard boxes filled with cookies they baked in cookery class for the patients.

The project is the brainchild of math teacher Mrs. Disa Manders who says children need to learn the importance of giving.

"They realise that a lot of people tomorrow will get something but many won't,'' she said.

"The children like to show they care. The positive is there -- it is just not often seen.'' Even the most disruptive children smile ear to ear when they hand out their handmade gifts, she said. "It really gives them a sense of self-esteem.'' She added that the school has done a number of different things in the community.

Soon, the students are to become "secret pals'' of the patients by sending notes and small gifts on an ongoing basis.

BIG HEARTS -- Northlands students decided to extend the St. Valentine's Day message beyond their beloveds to P.A.L.S. patients by offering them carnations. Mr. Walton Joseph (centre) receives flowers from (clockwise from bottom left) Miya Bean, Alexandria Bell, Northlands teacher Mrs. Disa Manders, P.A.L.S. Ms Ann Smith Gordon, Gamon Williams and Stephen Thompson.