This season a common service idea was to send cards to people who may need an extra pick-me-up. This is a great service project because it is easy, inexpensive, and truly appreciated by the recipients. SAL chapters at Western Michigan University, University of Arizona, California State University Fresno, University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Purdue University all were able to make cards for hospitalized children at their regular member meeting. Texas A&M University members made cards for hospitalized patients at their meeting as well. Our chapter at Appalachian State University made use of their regular meeting time by making cards for soldiers.
SAL’s University of Texas at Austin Chapter reserved a room in their library where members coming in to study could make a card for a sick child. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill members made decorating hospitalized kids’ cards a social event with snacks. Our chapter at University of Alabama hosted a Friendsgiving for SAL members to make their cards.
East Tennessee State University and Florida International University Chapters used this opportunity as a public relations event. Members at ETSU were encouraged to bring a friend for snacks and card making. They were able to majorly increase the number of cards they would have made on their own. FIU teamed up with another student organization and set up a table in a busy building on campus. Balloons and light snacks attracted people to the table where markers, paper, and stickers were provided. Students made 120 cards that SAL sent to the organization Cards for Hospitalized Kids, who replied with a thank-you letter.
“Hospitalized children often feel scared, lonely, isolated, different; they also often miss out on the simple joys of childhood, such as attending school regularly,” wrote Jen Rubino, Founder and Executive Director for Cards for Hospitalized Kids. “Receiving a card helps by brightening their day, making them feel special, and showing them they aren’t forgotten. On behalf of our card-receiving patients around the country, I would like to say thank you once again for helping us spread hope, joy, and magic to sick kids.”
SAL members, you are making a difference!
