Valentine's Volunteers INTRO: If Cupid were to alight in the hills of East Tennessee, he might pick up the aroma of freshly-melted chocolate. As Reed Galin reports, love is in the air this time of year as a group of industrious women volunteer to make Valentine’s sweeter. SCRIPT: (Locator: Sulphur Springs, Tenn.) If chocolate chemically stimulates positive feelings in the brain, as research indicates, then the mood is going to be very upbeat in one east Tennessee town this Valentine’s Day. Bobbie Carder/Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church: “It’s too bad you don’t have smell-o-vision.” And if, as one survey found, men offering candy believe it gives a wife or girlfriend more positive emotions towards them, then the women of Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church will sell even more than last year. Bobbie Carder/Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church “We have people that call us ahead of time and put in orders.” Last year, they sold 500 bags…solid chocolate, caramel-filled, and stuffed with peanut butter. Candy maker: “Little love balls…that’s what it is.” This year looks even busier. Word gets around. Candy maker: “This is enough peanut butter to make you have chills go up your spine. (Reporter)You mean, if the love doesn’t do it?” At two to five dollars a bag, they make enough to assist others in this rural community. The proceeds help local folks, and the ladies support international mission work, too. Bobbie Carder/Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church: “I think that any project you take should have something behind it that helps somebody.” Candy maker: “It’s gonna’ make somebody happy, I’m sure.” There’s a small amount of inventory shrinkage in the church kitchen, and an occasional husband who just can’t wait for Valentine’s Day. Husband: “It’s good! You don’t think I’m gonna’ say anything against these women fixin’ that candy, do ya?!” If your heart is in the right place, the candy girls say, good things usually happen. Especially around Valentine’s Day. Candy maker: “About love. And, I’m doing this out of love.” TAG: The money raised from this project has helped people around the world – from tsunami relief to local light bills. For more information, contact Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church at 423-753-5631. Also see: Church women find sweet way to raise money for missions.
| 
