WHILE MULTITUDES of West Virginia couples shared affection on Valentine's Day, most of them probably didn't know that Feb. 14 also has another significance: It's National Donor Day, a special time to recognize the importance of bequeathing body organs and tissue to save sick or dying Americans.

Thus the day stands for two different types of love - the second one selfless and impersonal. Donors often don't know the recipients who will benefit from their generosity.

The Philadelphia Inquirer commented Wednesday:

"After you breathe your last breath, you may help another person live - if you have signed an organ and tissue donor card.... Anyone can become a potential donor, regardless of age, race or medical history. There are 98,000 people in the United States awaiting a donation. But although more than 2 million people died in this country last year, most had not signed up to be potential donors."

It's noble to give someone a renewed chance for life as your final, departing act. Every major religion endorses organ, eye and tissue donation. The Catholic Church says such giving "is to be encouraged as an expression of generous solidarity." A Jewish rabbinical council has ruled that it's a "mitzvah," a commandment. The Southern Baptist Convention urges donations "in the spirit of stewardship, compassion." Likewise, nearly all medical groups solidly back this humane activity.

When West Virginians obtain new or renewed driver licenses, they're asked whether they want the ID cards to designate them as donors. Conscientious folks gladly cooperate.

Some people shy away from pledging, perhaps because they don't want to think about their future deaths. But look at it this way: Your chance of dying could be greatly reduced if others are willing donors, and organs are available for life-saving transplants.

Remember: Feb. 14 also symbolizes a kind of love much different from romance.

Thus the day stands for two different types of love - the second one selfless and impersonal. Donors often don't know the recipients who will benefit from their generosity.

The Philadelphia Inquirer commented Wednesday:

"After you breathe your last breath, you may help another person live - if you have signed an organ and tissue donor card.... Anyone can become a potential donor, regardless of age, race or medical history. There are 98,000 people in the United States awaiting a donation. But although more than 2 million people died in this country last year, most had not signed up to be potential donors."

It's noble to give someone a renewed chance for life as your final, departing act. Every major religion endorses organ, eye and tissue donation. The Catholic Church says such giving "is to be encouraged as an expression of generous solidarity." A Jewish rabbinical council has ruled that it's a "mitzvah," a commandment. The Southern Baptist Convention urges donations "in the spirit of stewardship, compassion." Likewise, nearly all medical groups solidly back this humane activity.

When West Virginians obtain new or renewed driver licenses, they're asked whether they want the ID cards to designate them as donors. Conscientious folks gladly cooperate.

Some people shy away from pledging, perhaps because they don't want to think about their future deaths. But look at it this way: Your chance of dying could be greatly reduced if others are willing donors, and organs are available for life-saving transplants.

Remember: Feb. 14 also symbolizes a kind of love much different from romance.