SSL Hours: 15 completed cards = 1 SSL hour
Where: From home, on your own schedule
Who it helps: Hospital patients, veterans, first responders, and assisted-living residents served by Arts-n-STEM4Hearts.
Description
Brighten someone's day with a handmade card! Volunteers design and create handwritten cards that we deliver to people who need a little encouragement — patients, seniors, veterans, and first responders. Every card you make goes directly to someone in our community. Make 15 cards to earn 1 SSL hour. You're welcome to make as many sets as you'd like.
Guidelines (please read before starting)
- Handwritten messages only. Printed or typed messages inside the card are not accepted — the personal touch is what makes these special.
- Effort. Decorate with stickers, markers, crayons, pens, and color. A thoughtful, colorful card means much more to the person who receives it.
- Keep messages appropriate. No religious or political messages and nothing inappropriate, so that every card can be given to anyone we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials or supplies do I need? You can use any supplies you have at home! Cardstock, printer paper, crayons, pens, paints, markers, or design digitally and print — whatever you've got. Feel free to be creative!
Do the cards have to be a specific size? Typically we receive cards about 5 x 7 inches, folded in half. Please put all cards in one envelope or bag, and group/label them together by the type of card (for example, "Get Well" or "Thank You").
How should I sign the cards? Do not give any personal information in the cards — this is for your safety. You can keep it anonymous, or write: "[Your first name], Arts-n-STEM4Hearts Foundation Volunteer."
Can you help with what to write inside? Of course! Here are a few starters — and feel free to research other appropriate card-message ideas too.
Get well cards:
"You are amazing, and someone is thinking of you today!"
"Sending you a big smile and lots of cheer. You brighten the world!"
"Wishing you a wonderful day filled with little joys."
"You matter, and you're awesome just as you are!"
Thank you cards for first responders or military:
"Thank you for your sacrifices and hard work! You are our true hero! Be strong and have courage!"
"Thank you for your courage and strength. We are thinking of you and sending our gratitude."
How to document your SSL hours
Count your completed cards (15 cards = 1 hour), label your bundle, and email us at support@arts-n-stem4hearts.org to coordinate the card drop-off. Have your SSL form ready for verification, and include your name and the number of cards completed.
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.
