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I am planning a service themed birthday party for myself this year. I thought that in lieu of gifts I would ask friends to donate any amount that they feel comfortable with to favorite charities. In addition, I thought it would be fun to have some party activities like card making with the purpose of passing those cards along to groups in need of encouragement. I know there are some cards-for-troops type of organizations out there. I'm looking for other possible ideas as well. I was thinking along the lines of cards welcoming refugees to the area and that sort of thing. Does any one know of any specific groups that are gathering handmade cards?
You might check with local nursing homes. Some like to have cards for the staff to give to residents when they have a birthday, are not feeling well, etc. The inside parts are left blank and the staff writes a message. I'm not sure if senior living homes in other communities are open to this but several in our area are.
I like the theme of your birthday. Very thoughtful.
Is there a VA hospital or VA retirement home near you? If so, you might consider them. I would suggest contacting the volunteer office to see if they could distribute cards for the Veteran's use.
Love the suggestions thinking about nursing home or VA folk! Having worked and volunteered in both settings, I know how much that little bit of sunshine can mean. If you're heart is set on refugees, I bet there is a local immigration/refugee center you could google, contact and make their day! (I hope you'll let us know where this goes. )
__________________ If you don't want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values, because you don't. ~ Jimmy Carter
If you can't find anything local, CardMaker Magazine usually has a Readers Reach Out section in their magazine and lists a different organization to which you can send cards in each issue.
There is a Monthly challenge posted here on SCS called "Cards 4 a Cause". Different causes are posted monthly but there are some who are open all year.
In the Swaps Forum here on SCS, under Cards, there's a thread for people collecting cards for various Ronald McDonald houses. Each house has cards available free of charge for the families and staff to use.
__________________ Lorraine
Wife to an awesome DH, Mommy to an adorable DS who is on the spectrum for autism, and Twin Sister to Linda
You could also donate to local churches. They often send cards to shut-ins, people they haven't seen in a while, and welcome cards for new visitors.
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