Shown here are samples of cards you created for The Hugs Project.
The idea behind Readers Reach Out is simple: you are invited to submit your handcrafted cards to various charitable organizations across the country. It is a wonderful opportunity to reach out and send greetings to people who need some cheer and good wishes.
A Hearty Note of Thanks
Here are a few words from Karen Stark of the Hugs Project: "I want to say a huge thank you to the wonderful card makers who have been sending blank handmade cards to The Hugs Project for our troops. Because of you, lots of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are going to know that they are not forgotten, and that people back home care. Thank you for your generosity and for taking care of some of America's finest men and women."
Here's a Reminder of How Readers Reach Out Works: Look for this column in each issue of CardMaker to see an upcoming card theme, along with our designated recipient. Using the theme as a guideline, create as many cards as you'd like and mail them to the address below. Please indicate somewhere on your shipment that you are participating in CardMaker magazine's Readers Reach Out efforts. This helps both the organization and us keep track of all your submissions.
Send Us Photos of Your Card Creations!
We would love to feature some samples of your work on this page. If you would like your cards considered for publication, please e-mail me a high-resolution jpeg of your card. It need not be a professional photo, just a simple, clear shot of your card is fine. Please send them to readerconnect@yahoo.com.
Your Next Theme Is ...
Any Occasion
Your cards will be donated to: Packages From Home. This organization sends packages of necessary, everyday items to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Packages From Home was started in 2004 when Kathleen Lewis' son asked his mom to send some extra packages for the guys in his unit who weren't getting any support. To date, the group has shipped more than 175,000 packages. Since the service members can't simply run to the corner store to pick up a greeting card to send to a friend or relative, Packages From Home would love to supply greeting cards that the troops can use throughout the year. You can read more about Packages From Home on their Web site: www.packagesfromhome.org.
General Guidelines:
Packages From Home ships cards
to the troops about two months before specific holidays. If you send cards in January, for example, Mother's Day cards would be nice. General cards such as birthday, love you and missing you are always needed. Please include envelopes with your cards, but do not seal them. Please do not sign the cards since the service members will be using the cards for their own correspondence. Please do not use glitter on your cards, as it can cause staining and other problems with uniforms.
Your Suggestions Are Very Welcome
We would like this program to benefit people all across the country. If you know of an organization that would welcome handcrafted cards for its patients or residents, please send me a note at readerconnect@yahoo.com. Think about group facilities, such as local children's hospitals, nursing homes, cancer treatment facilities, and women's shelters.
Sincere thanks to all of you for your hard work and beautiful cards!
Mary Lynn Maloney
Send your cards to:
Packages From Home Donation Center
Attn: Jan J.
1201 S. 7th Ave. Suite 50
Phoenix, AZ 85007
