BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Love is in the air, and it has four legs!

A local Valentine’s Day fundraiser is open to support the horses who help serve our community.

69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has the story in Bethlehem with the group behind it, and how you can take part.

Marissa Zondag, President of the Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police, said the group was formed in 2012. It was created to support the then-newly brought back Bethlehem Mounted Patrol Unit, which came back in 2009 after a more than 60-year hiatus.

The group, which is 100% supported by donations, helps support Mounted Police initiatives. Much of the donations go towards taking care of the horses. 40 volunteers come in on a monthly basis and feed the horses, clean their stalls, and help run the organization’s events.

Stacey Burke, a volunteer and board member with the group, said the Bethlehem Mounted Police holds a contest every year. 

According to the group’s website, people can select their favorite Mounted Police horse and tell the group their Valentine’s name. The horse the people choose will mail his 5&7 Valentine card secretly to the person’s loved one, the website says.

Grey, Casper, Seamus, and Star of Bethlehem are the horses participating in the contest.

People can purchase Valentine’s Day bundles by heading to bethlehemmountedpolice.org. A single card is $10, a five-card set is $45, and gift bundles cost anywhere from $20-$49.The contest culminates on Feb. 6. The cards will be mailed out Feb. 7.

All the proceeds from the event directly benefit the horses of the Mounted Police.

Burke said the contest has been held for 10 years.

Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police volunteer Jolene Vitalos said people interested in volunteering can apply online.