Paper Sweetness: Sharing

A number cardmakers have pointed out that I make a lot of cards... I do. I should say that without challenges, I would not be able to donate to so many charities. Challenges inspire me, your comments inspire me, the sheer joy of knowing that I can help via my favorite hobby inspires me. I started making cards over 25 years ago. Initially my extra cards when to a small organization called Cards for Heroes supporting the writing needs of our military troops. Cards for Heroes eventually morphed into the nonprofit Operation Write Home (OWH). Over the years that OWH was operating, I made more than 11,000 cards for the soldiers. The few unexpected thank yous I received from military personnel spurred me to continue my donation efforts.

Below is an ongoing list of organizations to which I donate in case you are interested in sharing as well.

Website: https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/handmade-with-love/greeting-cards/

A. Card guidelines:

Cards should be blank inside and well designed.
Needed are a) “blank but beautiful” (no writing inside; no sentiment on the outside); and b) “sentiment card” (message on the outside focused on “Thinking of You”, “Missing You”, “I Love You”, or “Hello”). Humorous stamps and sentiments are welcome.
Make the majority of cards generic so our troops are able to mail them at any time of the year.
All Christmas cards MUST arrive no later than October 20th to be included in any given year’s holiday care packages.
Cards should measure between 4.25″ x 5.5″ to 5” x 7”.
Include a light-colored envelope for every single blank card so the recipients can mail them home. Simply slide the card under the flap of the envelope. Cards without envelopes or do not fit in the envelope provided will be used by volunteers to write letters of gratitude.
If using dark-colored cardstock, adhere white paper inside the card.
DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF GLITTER! Please ensure all embellishments are securely attached to the card.
If desired, use a clear stationery card sleeve for extra protection, but it is not required.
“Made by” information welcome.
Sort cards based on type before sending.
Send as many cards as desired.
Operation Gratitude will send a thank you letter within 8 weeks of receiving your donation.

B. Fill out our Donor Form online and print a copy to place in each box shipped.

https://www.operationgratitude.com/give/product-donation/

C. Carefully pack your cards and send to:

Operation Gratitude
ATTN: Receiving
9409 Owensmouth Ave
Chatsworth, CA 91311

_______________________________________________

Website: http://www.cardsforhospitalizedkids.com/make-cards1.html

A. Card guidelines:

DO NOT USE LOOSE GLITTER
Do not address the card to a specific person.
At the request of hospitals, do not to write "Get well", "Feel Better" or other illness related comments. It is important to write uplifting messages rather than "Get Well" or other illness focused comments. Examples”

Stay strong
You are awesome
Never forget how amazing YOU are
You rock
I hope you have a great day today
You shine brighter than the sun
You inspire me
Be Brave
I believe in YOU

Cards are needed for all holidays. Holiday guidelines are the same as for general cards; the only difference is that you need to include a happy holiday message specific to the particular holiday, such as "Happy Valentines Day", "Have a great Thanksgiving", "Happy Halloween" etc. "Merry Christmas" can be written on holiday cards, also make cards that simply say "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Hanukkah" for kids that don't celebrate Christmas.
Holiday cards can be sent in at any time but must be received 3 weeks prior to a holiday.
Do not include any personal information on the card.
Do not write any religious comments such as "God Bless" or "I'm praying for you".
Do not send in envelopes. Plastic sleeves are okay but not needed.
Sign your first name (and state) on the card. (No last name).

B. Include a return address so Cards for Hospitalized Kids can send a thank-you letter.

C. Carefully pack your cards and send to:

Cards for Hospitalized Kids

7290 W. Devon Ave.

Chicago, IL 60631

_______________________________________________

Website: https://bringsmilestoseniors.com/

A. Card guidelines:

Hand crafted every day "thinking of you" type cards and holiday cards are all welcome.

Religious messages are welcome and will be routed to faith based senior communities.
Birthday and Get Well cards are donated to senior communities for use with their residents.
Veteran cards are welcome.

Send cards tucked under the flap of the envelope rather than inside the envelope.
No size requirement; A2 preferred.
Envelopes are needed for each card.
NO LOOSE GLITTER! Glitter pens are okay.
Cards are accepted at any time. Holiday cards that are blank inside are needed at least five weeks prior to a holiday.

B. Include a return address so Bring Smiles to Seniors can send a thank-you letter.

C. Carefully pack your cards and send to:

Dawn Duplak

Bring Smiles to Seniors

330 SE 9 CT

Pompano Beach, FL 33060-8822

Donations are welcome for postage or postage stamps. Donations may be made online, or by check made out to Bring Smiles to Seniors and sent to P.O. Box 226, Odessa, FL 33556.

_______________________________________________

2022 is the first year I have donated to Cards for Cubs. Cards for Cubs distributes the cards to foster care agencies. The donation period runs from March 1-31. You must sign up for this donation. Sign-up here.

ALL cards must be HANDMADE: no store bought cards. Each card should be as special and personal as the child receiving it.
Cards should be appropriate for ALL AGES.
All cards should be BLANK inside or contain a SHORT SENTIMENT such as "Happy Birthday" or "I believe in you and unicorns too!". Keep it short and sweet so foster care agencies can write to a child's specific circumstance.
Only accepting BIRTHDAY and ENCOURAGEMENT cards.
Cards should be well-received across any demographic, religion, and culture.
ENVELOPES are required for each card. Keep envelopes separate from cards.
Cards should be bundled in PACKS of 10 and labeled Birthday or Encouragement.
All cards must be mailed to Cards For Cubs.
Card designs can be replicated.