The Marshall area is about to see a large increase in the number of ninjas running around town.

The SMSU chapter of Collegiate DECA will be hosting a Valentine Ninja-Gram fundraiser the week of Feb. 8-14. DECA has several people dressed in white ninja costumes that will be out delivering valentines that students, staff and Marshall residents have purchased.

Kenneth Lam is the president of DECA club. According to Lam, orders for the valentines can be placed Feb. 8-14 at DECA club’s tables in the student center. Buyers prepay for the valentine in cash and tell DECA exactly who, where and when to send the valentine to. Lam notes that there are some conditions.

“We will only deliver to students in class or a common public space where there are lots people and it’s safe,” Lam said. “No private dorm rooms or secluded spots, for security and safety reasons.”

Lam also notes that the ninjas can deliver to staff and faculty offices. The ninjas will be accompanied by security for safety concerns. There will be some deliveries off campus, but the deliveries will be limited to companies that have agreed to allow DECA sell Ninja Grams to their employees.

Francesca Chang, DECA club’s secretary, is the lead on project Valentine Ninja Gram. Chang also noted safety as something she has considered.

“Originally the ninjas should be dressed dark, but someone might do something dangerous,” Chang said. “So we changed the costumes to white with a heart so people know it’s something to do with Valentine’s Day.”

Dailyn Timm was the member of DECA that came up with the Ninja-Gram idea as a fundraiser.

“Me and my brother came up with it,” Timm said. “It’s kind of a brotherly rival to see who can get a better profit margin.”

Last time Timm spoke with him, his brother was planning to run a similar program at Wabasso Public School.   

Prices for the ninja grams range from $5 for a single chocolate rose to $100 for the largest package featuring several kinds of chocolate and a teddy bear. DECA is hoping to raise enough money to send its members to the upcoming national and regional competitions.

“I’m most excited to see people’s surprise from the ninja and to see how much happiness we’ll bring,” Chang said.