Create Cards

Last Updated: September 2, 2025

Creating cards is an easy and meaningful way to give back, whether alone, with family and friends, as part of a group or club, or through a corporate involvement project.

All cards and bookmarks must be handmade, uplifting, and suitable for year-round enjoyment.

This page includes instructions for:

Current Needs

We are especially in need of:

Non-seasonal children's cards (English) (view sample messages)
Military-themed cards (English) (view sample messages)
Cards for seniors (English)
Cards for kids (Spanish)
Decorated lunch bags (standard brown paper lunch bags; kid-friendly art & encouraging messages; no glitter, no staples; don’t seal; pack flat).

Guidelines for Card Themes

General-Themed Cards (Most Preferred): We highly encourage creating general-themed cards with uplifting messages. These cards are the most versatile and valuable, and can be delivered and enjoyed throughout the year.
Seasonal Cards: Seasonal cards (fall, winter, spring, or summer) are also welcome. These themes remain relevant for extended periods, allowing us time to process and distribute them to those who need them.
Holiday-Specific Cards: If creating holiday cards, please ensure they arrive at least two months before the holiday to ensure timely delivery.

Packing Instructions

Clearly label the outside of your box or envelope with the type of cards included. (see example here)

Sent cards and haven't heard back?

Thank you so much — we're truly grateful!

Due to hand-processing by volunteers and our system transition, we're currently unable to confirm receipt of individual packages.
If you followed the shipping instructions, your cards are likely in our queue and will be counted and sent out soon.

Thanks for your patience and support!

How To Plan A Group Event

1. Set a time and location for attendees to make cards. 2. Ensure participants have enough art supplies to make at least two cards. If you need help with what to get, check out the Recommended Supplies PDF below. 3. Remind the participants to write positive messages in their cards. Cards with messages like 'Get Well Soon' cannot be delivered. To ensure all your cards succeed, refer to our Friendly Reminders PDF. 4. Encourage everyone to sign their first name and location, for example, "From Angie in Ann Arbor, MI". 5. Please take pictures or screenshots and a group photo of the artists holding their cards throughout the event. Post them on social media, tag @cardzforkidz, and email them to photos@cardzforkidz.org. Please note that we may use these images on our social sites, website, newsletter, and other promotional materials. 6. Follow the instructions below to package and mail us your cards.

Make Cards As An Independent Artists

1. First, gather all necessary art supplies! If you need help with what to get, check out the Recommended Supplies PDF below. 2. Once you have the supplies, start making the cards. Make sure to write positive messages on them. However, messages like 'Get Well Soon' cannot be delivered. To ensure all your cards succeed, refer to our Friendly Reminders PDF. 3. Please sign your first name and location, i.e., From Angie in Ann Arbor, MI. 4. After you have made the cards, take pictures of yourself holding your artwork. Post them on social media, tag @cardzforkidz, and email them to photos@cardzforkidz.org. Please note that we may use these images on our social sites, website, newsletter, and other promotional materials. 5. Finally, follow the instructions below to package and mail us your cards.

Group Event

Independent