Mail Me Some Sunshine: Cards for Kids

During this drop-in program, I emptied out my supply closets and the kids made positive greeting cards for kids at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. I got the idea from Youth Librarian Laura Raynor at the Ann Arbor District Library. When I used to work there, she would partner with the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, and have kids make cards for those patients. I was curious about trying it here in Addison. It's pretty basic, though, and gives children a chance to "give back" to their community and participate in a selfless activity where they don't make something to take home, but to give to someone else.

If you're interested to try this program at your own library, first locate a nearby Children's Hospital. You can also do this with nursing homes, Veteran's Legions, and more. Then, contact someone in Community Relations and/or Donations. My contact's title is "Activity and Donations Coordinator, Children’s Services," so you might try calling the organization (depending on the size) and asking for someone in a similar department. I'm going to withhold her name, but please contact me if you're in the Chicago area and want to make cards for the Lurie Children's Hospital. She was a joy to work with, though, and gave me some great pointers (although I was already aware of these after making cards in Ann Arbor). Here are the pointers:

Here are some tips on what you can do and what would be an acceptable donation of greeting cards for hospitalized children.All materials used to make cards must be new. If you are thinking of using glitter to decorate your cards, please use glitter glue, not dry glitter that can be glued onto a surface.Because we serve very culturally and religiously diversified population at Lurie Children’s, we will not be able to give out any cards with religious content. While making the seasonal cards, try not to focus on the holidays but rather on the season.We also discourage usage of phrases such as “Get well soon”. Sadly, some of our patients will not get better and their families are painfully aware of that. “I’m sorry you’re not well” is also not the best choice of words. Remember, the notes you’re writing are supposed to brighten their day and make them smile, not to reinforce the obvious. Anything silly-fun and uplifting, or as simple as “Have a great day!” will be very much enjoyed by our children, their families and appreciated by our staff. Here are some examples:
“Stay Strong”“Have a great day”“You Rock”
“You’re awesome”“Always remember how amazing you are”“I hope today is a great day for you” “You shine brighter than the sun”“You’re the best!”

Donated cards will not be delivered to patients and families. We leave the choice of receiving a greeting card up to each family. There is a special basket in the play center that we fill out with donated cards and each visiting child or a family member can pick up a card if they wish to do so.

They turned out wonderfully. These kids are so creative and thoughtful. I finally got them mailed out to Lurie's Children's Hospital today, I hope they bring some sunshine to their recipients! :)