For nearly five decades, under the cover of darkness on February 13th, the Valentine Bandit has hung hundreds of simple red hearts on buildings across Portland to spread love and warmth during the depths of Maine’s long winters. 

This recurring tradition of communal love and kindness, an act distinct in its anonymity and simplicity, inspired the minimalist polka-heart pattern of our second kit. The repeated red hearts, set against a white background, are a tribute to the small but meaningful gestures that weave together the tight-knit fabric of our community.

The short sleeve's navy cuffs and neckline reflect the waters that define Maine, connecting the kit design to our home state.

About the Dempsey Center

On the sleeve of our Bandit Kit is The Dempsey Center, a new Hearts partnership that embodies the love and kindness inherent to Mainers. The Dempsey Center was founded by Maine native and actor, Patrick Dempsey, in 2008 after his mother’s experience with cancer and as a way to give back to his hometown community of Lewiston. Learn more by visiting DempseyCenter.org or following @dempsey_center on social media.