Handmade Holiday Cards for Kids: Spread Joy to Children in Need
The holiday season is a time of giving, joy, and connection. One of the most heartfelt ways to share your festive spirit is by sending handmade holiday cards to children in need. Many kids facing serious illnesses will spend their holidays in hospitals, away from the warmth of home.
By crafting and sending these cards, you can bring a smile to their faces and a touch of holiday magic to their lives. Several organisations work tirelessly to distribute these cards to children across the UK and beyond.
Let’s explore six wonderful charities that make this effort possible.
Cards for Hospitalised Kids
Founded by Jen Rubino, Cards for Hospitalised Kids (CFHK) delivers handmade cards to children across the country throughout the year. Jen, diagnosed with a rare tissue and bone disease at 11, experienced the loneliness of hospital stays firsthand.
Her inspiration for CFHK came after receiving a handmade card from a volunteer, which lifted her spirits. Now a university student, Jen continues to lead CFHK, which has delivered over 100,000 cards to children across all 50 states.
How You Can Help
- Create cheerful, handmade cards.
- Include messages of encouragement and festive cheer.
- Send your creations to CFHK, and they’ll distribute them nationwide.
Cardz for Kidz
Cardz for Kidz is a global organisation founded by Ike Nwankwo in 2010. Rooted in Ike’s passion for volunteering, the charity uplifts children, families, and veterans in hospitals, schools, and care centres. Ike’s personal experience battling epilepsy inspired his mission to provide encouragement through handmade cards.
Why Cardz for Kidz Stands Out
- Cards are sent to various groups, including seniors and veterans.
- Each card is filled with love, hope, and positivity.
Send a Smile Today
Supporting cancer patients of all ages, Send a Smile Today focuses on sending cheerful cards to individuals battling cancer, from diagnosis to remission. Smiley faces, rainbows, and heartfelt messages are just some of the uplifting elements you can include in your designs.
Ways to Contribute
- Send a handwritten card with a positive message.
- Brighten someone’s day by including colourful designs and inspiring quotes.
Caitlin’s Smiles
In memory of 7-year-old Caitlin Hornung, who passed away in 2000, her mother Cheryl founded Caitlin’s Smiles in 2004. This organisation spreads joy through arts and crafts, distributing “Bags of Smiles” filled with supplies and handmade cards to children in hospitals.
What You Can Do
- Donate handmade cards or crafting supplies.
- Help fill “Bags of Smiles” that bring comfort to young patients.
I See Me! Letters of Love
Partnering with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, I See Me! introduced their first letter collection campaign to spread holiday cheer. Through this initiative, you can write an e-letter to a child, which is printed and delivered along with personalised holiday books as gifts.
How It Works
- Write an encouraging e-letter.
- For every 50 letters received, a child receives a personalised holiday book.
Send a Smile 4 Kids
Operating since 2011, Send a Smile 4 Kids collects handmade cards for inpatient children at hospitals. From festive holiday designs to everyday cheerful messages, these cards bring a touch of normalcy and happiness to children’s lives.
Important Guidelines
- Leave the inside of the card blank for children to write their own messages.
- Ensure your design is bright and kid-friendly.
Why Handmade Holiday Cards Matter
Creating and sending handmade holiday cards is more than just a gesture; it’s a way to provide emotional support and show children they are cared for. The impact of receiving a card extends beyond the holidays, offering encouragement and comfort during difficult times.
FAQs
What should I include in a handmade holiday card?
Bright colours, festive designs, and positive messages are ideal. Avoid mentioning illness or offering advice.
Can I involve children in making the cards?
Absolutely! Card-making is a fun activity for kids and teaches them about kindness and giving back.
Are there restrictions on the materials I use?
Most organisations prefer non-glitter designs for safety and ease of cleaning. Check each charity’s guidelines for specifics.
How do I find the mailing addresses for these organisations?
Visit the official websites of the charities mentioned above for the most up-to-date mailing information.
Can I donate other items along with the cards?
Yes, some organisations accept donations like crafting supplies or small toys. Contact them directly for more information.
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