A Braselton woman is collecting “love notes” to send to the families and friends of the victims of Sunday’s fatal attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

Christine Martinello and her team of “love agents” are gathering the heartfelt notes by any means possible. Martinello’s goal is to even handwrite the letters sent online before mailing the notes Monday.

Martinello and the “love agents” met Friday afternoon to handwrite as many of the letters submitted electronically as possible.

People handwriting their own notes and getting them to Martinello is encouraged. To submit handwritten “love notes,” residents may mail them to Original Love Box, P.O. Box 851, Braselton, GA 30517.

But Martinello is accepting online submissions to allow for more people to be involved. People can email them to info@christinemartinello.com or visit www.facebook.com/christmaslovebox/ or www.facebook.com/Christine-M-Martinello-155394031297215/.

“We just want as many people as possible to get love notes,” Martinello said. “So we’re going to do whatever it takes.”

Martinello said shock is often followed by a desire to help after a tragedy such as the one that left 49 victims dead and injured 53 others.

“It’s awesome for people to be able to do something,” Martinello said.

She said Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Flowery Branch has agreed to help with the effort, as have some businesses.
Martinello and her husband, Bob, created the “Original Love Box” and the “Christmas Love Box” business efforts, which sell boxes filled with blank notes that can be written to friends or loved ones. The box can also serve as a place to keep such letters received by the box’s owner.

Martinello and her “love agents” write notes throughout the year to encourage people in need, including some notes written to women’s shelter residents. They’re glad to see others being a part of this opportunity to encourage those most affected by the shooting.

“People really care about their neighbor, even neighbors that they haven’t met,” Martinello said.