Making Love

Matt Heistand Arizona Daily Wildcat Marketing junior Jaime Ambrose makes a mold of her hand in a plaster heart to be given as a Valentine's Day gift. These hearts, which cost five dollars, were made by the three women's residence halls, Gila, Coconino and Maricopa. All proceeds go to United Way.

Some University of Arizona student volunteers are offering star-crossed lovers the chance to make an impression - literally.

And the proceeds go to charity.

United Way Student Committee members will set up a booth in front of Coconino Residence Hall today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the second annual "Touch Somebody's Heart," charity drive.

At the booth, students can make an imprint of their hand in a heart-shaped plaster mold. Then, they paint, draw on and otherwise embellish the heart to make an inexpensive, yet personal Valentine's Day gift.

"You're giving them a heart, and in a way you're letting them know they touch your heart," committee member Michaela Trimble said.

Trimble, a psychology sophomore, ran the booth yesterday afternoon in front of Gila Residence Hall.

On Wednesday, the first day of the charity drive, the hearts were sold in front of Maricopa Residence Hall.

The committee members are hoping to appeal to UA students' sense of romance, but some "heart donors" have other motives.

"I just wanted to stick my hand in the plaster," marketing junior Jaime Ambrose said.

The cost of immortality is $6, but any reasonable donation will be accepted, Trimble said.

She estimated the drive had raised $50 to $80 so far, and said she hoped the final day would be the most successful.

According to Jim Arnold, who works in the Tucson-area United Way's campaign department, the nonprofit organization raises money to help community members in need.

Abused children, cancer patients, teen runaways, families in crisis and the elderly are among those who benefit from United Way-affiliated organizations, Arnold said.

According to Trimble, nobody has asked to make an imprint of anything other than their hand, but she said special requests will gladly be accepted.

"I don't want to see any genitalia out, but if it's within reason - yeah, go for it."