Happy Valentine's Day

I was reading my email this evening and came across one from a national cookie delivery site. To celebrate the day, the owners of this company had solicited stories of love. Topics ranged from long-time sweethearts, to married couples enduring illness, and even a dog rescue. A number of responses were from Pediatric Nurses who mentioned how they bought Valentine’s Day cards to share with their patients, and how that little act of kindness made such a big difference in their patients’ days. 

 

It made me pleased that SAS4Kids is able to supply Valentine’s Day cards—and other cheerful cards—to hospitals. I would love to be able to reach more in-patient care centers so the nurses, doctors, volunteers, and staff are able to have these resources at work. If you know of a facility that would benefit from our cards, please send me their information and I will get in touch with them.

 

All of this outreach wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful card makers and donors who support us throughout the year. Whether it’s a monetary donation for shipping, a holiday-specific message or a general encouragement card, each and every contribution helps us make a pediatric patient’s day something special.

 

Thank you for your support!

 Welcome, 2023

2022 has come to a close and we're welcoming in the New Year with a card challenge, the collection of spring cards, and hopefully some growth in the number of hospitals we serve. 

Check out our Challenge page to see all the examples and play along! The challenge guidelines can be found on our Challenge Rules Tab, and that's also where you'll find directions to upload your card. Our challenges start on the first Saturday of the month. It's a lot of fun and we'd love to see what you're creating!

Some shippers are accepting spring and non-religious Easter cards (those are cards with bunnies, chicks, easter eggs, and the like.) Please check the Current Needs page to see who is requesting these and other themes. Everyday cheerful and encouragement cards are never "too late." 

I am hoping that all COVID restrictions will be lifted and all our hospitals will be accepting cards again this year. I would also like to grow our small group of hospitals so we can bring smiles to more children and their families. 

Thank you for visiting Send a Smile 4 Kids!

Have a safe and happy 2023!

Happy Holidays!

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to SAS4Kids. From one or two cards to big boxes of many—we couldn't reach as many children and their families without your dedication and creativity! 

Wishing you all the best for a wonderful 2023!

 Hello and happy fall!

I recently received an email from a hospital contact, thanking me for sending cards to the patients. She mentioned how happy the cards made the recipients—a little unexpected gift on an otherwise average day in the hospital. The patients were smiling and showing their cards to one other, admiring all the different styles and images on them. This is the reason we do what we do! 

Having recently spent a couple of days as a patient, I was struck by how many people were there to help me. I met more than 30 people who were responsible for some part of my care. I can only imagine how overwhelming that must be for a child. I learned that any little kindness from home or the hospital staff made my dat a little easier. I am now more determined to continue sending cards and to expand our efforts to reach more children. 

So, if you work for a hospital or know of a children's hospital or pediatric department who might benefit from receiving our cards, please email me their contact information. (sas4kidsjen at gmail.com) Perhaps it's a hospital near you, or one who helped you as a child. We would love to spread cheer to as many patients as we can using the amazing hand-made cards we receive. 

Coming up on the challenge side, our winners of the August contest will be announced soon! September's challenge is "cute fall or Halloween cards 4 kids," and runs through the end of the month. Check out the great examples for the SAS4Kids Design Team by clicking on the Challenge Tab! Consider uploading your own card or leaving some love for those who have uploaded theirs. Our challenge is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike. We hope to see you all there!

Happy crafting!