Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, you know it’s Valentine’s Day on Thursday. (And if you have been living under a rock, it’s probably a heart-shaped rock because that’s just how people are.)

Maybe you’ve got a date, maybe you don’t, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s time to stop blasting Valentine’s Day for its overly indulgent consumerism and instead get involved with something that is really all about the love.

On Friday (see, it won’t interfere with any Thursday activities you’ve got planned), Donkey Coffee is playing host to the Jonathan AID: Young At Heart benefit show for Jonathan Young, a local man injured earlier this winter. Young’s church family at Central Avenue wanted to help the family, working with the Athens community to bring a little relief to one of their own.

Jake Householder helped put the event together after being approached by Chris Pyle of Donkey Coffee. Householder met Young through the Central Avenue Church and was impressed by the community’s interest in helping out.

“It's been a really great community to be a part of, because it's one of those sort of everybody-wants-to-help-each-other-out sort of places,” he said. “I don't think it's anything remarkable to put on a benefit to help out because it's just the most logical and obvious choice. Our friends need help. Let's do what we can. What good is a faith community, or any community, if it doesn't do that?“

There’s something special about a benefit show. As Householder said, “It’s not just coming out to see some band play and going home.” This one’s different. This is a concert with purpose, meaning and the ability “to legitimately help a family [out].” And Householder was more than willing to lend a helping hand.

“I'm really into the idea of ‘value-added shows,’” he said. “We have the chance, just by all gathering in the same place, playing some music, and giving what we can give, to legitimately help a family in our community overcome a financial obstacle that would otherwise be pretty oppressive. If somebody asked you if you wanted to be a part of that, why would you want to say no?”

Householder will also be playing at the benefit and, while he enjoys letting loose at live shows with his band Scubadog, he looks forward to the more vulnerable solo gigs as well.

“There was a time when solo was all I wanted to do, but these days, I think a band is what I need. That said, it's great to have a chance now and again to remind myself, and hopefully the folks listening, that these songs all start simply and quietly, and out of something real in my life,” he said. “I'm excited for this event because that's what my community is for me--simple, quiet and something real to hang on to.”

While the show itself will be pretty straightforward--with music by Adam Remnant, Sarah Green, Matt Moore and Householder--all of the proceeds go to Young, his wife and their soon-to-be three children.

Save your money on candy hearts and chocolates, and make all checks payable to Jonathan Young. Helping those in need is always a good way to spend the holidays. So head out to Donkey Coffee for a post-Valentine’s Day concert that’s truly from the heart.