Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Cards

I could be the poster pug for this card. Every year I say I'm going to send out lots of Christmas cards and every year I only send a few. I only have addresses for a couple pugs and I did send cards to them but I feel really guilty about not sending holiday cheer to all my friends. I feel like a real slacker and just want to say that it won't happen again.

I wanted to participate in a Christmas card exchange but I never found one. I guess I could have started one but then Mom and Dad went to Hawaii and well, you know the rest. I received a couple cards from my friends and I love them. Mom put them in the family room on the mantel for everyone to see. I even kept the envelopes because lots of people don't believe that I get mail.

I'm going to chalk this Christmas card thingy up to poor planning - on Mom's part. I told her I needed addresses for all my friends and she really dropped the ball. To make up for it she asked me if I wanted to participate in a Valentine's Day card exchange and I said yes. Since I only just met most of you in the spring, you may already have a Valentine's Day card exchange and I would like to ask if I could participate. If no such exchange exists, I would like to organize one. There. It's official. More details to come in 2010.

Since this post is about Christmas cards, I have a question for all of you - what do you do with the Christmas cards you receive? I'm talking about after the holidays are over and it's time to take down the decorations. Do the cards end up in a drawer, in the shredder, or in the recycleable bin? Do you save them and make things out of them? If you don't know what to do with them come January 2, I've got the perfect solution.

The St. Jude's Ranch Recycled Card Program started over thirty years ago. It all started when the children at St. Jude's made new Christmas cards from the previous year's Christmas cards and sent them to donors of St. Jude's. The donors loved the cards so much that they suggested the children sell the new cards so that others could enjoy them. How cool is that?

People from all over the world send cards they've received throughout the year to St. Jude's. The children remove the front of the card, attach a new back, and viola! A new card ready to make someone's day.

This program is great for everyone. The children learn about recycling and receive money for the work they do. The people that purchase the cards do so knowing that are have provided children with a sense of worth. Truly a win-win for everyone.

The program has evolved over the years to include all types of cards from Christmas, to birthday, to thank you, and more. Any card you receive throughout the year can be sent to the children at St. Jude's where it will find life as a new card for someone else. This is the true meaning of recycling. As with any recycling program, you must purchase recycled cards in order to fully close the loop. The new cards come in packages of 10 for $10.00. That's a great deal and a great way to support a great organization.

St. Jude's Ranch for Children was started back in 1967 by Father Jack Adam. He saw a need back then that still exists today - a place for children to go that have been abused, abandoned, and/or neglected. They provide the nuturing environment all children need, in a safe home where they can prosper and learn life skills. Children that call St. Jude's home are seeking ways to start over, begin fresh, and thrive with all the hope and spirit they can. It's through generous donations that this non-profit has helped more than 1,000 children over the years. Purchasing greeting cards is just one more way to say thank you to St. Jude's for caring for those who need it most.

To donate your Christmas cards and/or other cards you may receive, please send them to:

St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Excellent idea! We hope you're feeling better Stubby. We lit a special Indy Blogger candle and said a prayer for you. We luvs you and want to come meet you this summer.

Stubby said...

Hi Heather & Walter! I'm feeling better and my hearing is slowing coming back. Thanks for lighting a candle and saying a prayer for me. That was so sweet!

I love you guys too and can't wait to meet you this summer.

Stubby xoxo

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Awsome idea Stubby thanks!

We so would want to exchange Valentines day cards this year with you. We can even send you a xmas card we have extra picutes of us!

Sequoia and Tuni

Stubby said...

Hi Sequoia & Tuni! I'm so excited that you want to participate in my Valentine's Day card exchange. I was hoping you would because you guys are definitely my sweeties.

I would love to receive a Christmas card from you! I will email my address to your mom right away.

Stubby xoxo

Deborah said...

HI Stubby, If you do a Christmas Card swap next year, count us in!!!
I love you picture. That is a great idea at St. Judes.
Thanks for sharing that with us.
Merry Christmas,
Deborah and my crew!

Stubby said...

Hi Deborah! I'm counting you and your crew in for sure! I'm sending a bunch of cards to St. Jude's right after the new year and ordering some new ones at the same time.

Merry Christmas to you and your crew!

Stubby xoxo

Dana Orsborn said...

Great idea! Penny and I don't
receive many cards, but if we
ever do, we know what to do with
them! Hope you have a great week!

-Dana & Penny

Oakley and Swisher said...

Stubby we love all the great ideas we get from your blog. This is another one to add to the list for sure! We didn't know about dwb card exchanges either so we just had a few peoples addresses but we would totally be down to join a Valentines card exchange! We hope you are feeling better buddy.

Lots of Licks--
Oak and Swish

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Stubby, that is an excellent idea - mom says she is going to send all of our cards to St. Judes. Hope you mom is feeling better since Christmas is just around the corner!

We would love to exchange Valentine's day cards with you next year.

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

Stubby said...

Hi Dana & Penny! Please pass the info about St. Jude's along to all your friends. Every little card helps and keeps cards out of landfills.

I'm hoping you guys will participate in the Valentine's Day card exchange. A sexy, beefy pug like Penny has to be a Valentine pin-up!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Oakley & Swisher! I'm glad you like this program. It's great to know that your cards are making someone else happy after they've made your day.

I'm so glad you're going to participate in the Valentine's Day card exchange. It's going to be so much fun and Mom says we are going to do a special photo shoot just for it.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Yoda & Brutus! I have so many cards to send to St. Jude's since Mom's saves everything. I hope the children like all the pretty designs on the cards.

I'm so excited about the Valentine's Day card exchange. Mom is already looking for cards for me to send. Oh boy - talk about getting a jump on things!

Stubby xoxo

RILEY AND STAR MY MALTESEKIDS said...

Merry Christmas Stubby!

It has been a real joy having you as a friend this year and we love you and your Christmas card too...adorable!

Merry Christmas friend, and Happy New Year!

Luv,
Riley and Star.

Stubby said...

Hi Riley & Star! I'm so thankful that I got to meet you guys this year. I've had so much fun visiting your bloggie and keeping up with your adventures.

I hope Santa brings you lots of presents. Ho, ho, ho!

Stubby xoxo

Paula said...

Don't feel bad, I bought a box of Christmas cards and didn't get one out, for the first time in 10 years. I can save them for next year now this late in the game. But what a wonderful idea to recycle them to St. Jude's when able. You share the niftiest recycling ideas.

Valentines card exchange, count Bandit, Paisley, and Smokey in! My email is on our profile page.

agent99 said...

Stubby, don;t feel bad. Mom worked really hard on her acrds this year, and they are still sitting on the kitchen table. They'll just have to be new years cards! Please get us your snail mail address if you want one.

PS We were bad at the photo place, so we got axed from this years card.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Stubby
I hope your feeling better.
I also lit a candle for you to get better.
You always have the best suggestions for everything. You even have answers for ALL my questions that I wonder about.
Well Stubby
We think the cards are to beautiful to ever part with-so sometimes we get creative with them.
They would never be thrown out.
I love your idea of giving to St Judes.
Thank you for the Christmas card right on your bloggie page Stubby.
I think it was ment just for me.
Merry Christmas
love
tweedles

Paula said...

Stubby and Mom;

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas filled with warm, love, laughter, and sweet memories!

Stubby said...

Hi Paula & gang! I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who blew it with the cards. I'm making a resolution right now to get it together next year.

I'm so excited that you guys are going to participate in the Valentine's Day card exchange. I'm going to post the details in January so keep your eyes peeled to my blog.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with good times, family, and lots of merriment!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Gen & Foo! I can't believe your mom's card on still sitting on the tabl - yikes! Our moms need to get off their you-know-whats and get with the program.

I like the idea of New Years cards and Mom has sent those out before. It's like a little gift after Christmas to brighten your day.

I find it hard to believe that you guys were bad at the photo place. How bad could you have been? I hope you make in on next year's card!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi sweet Tweedles! Thank you so much for lighting a candle for me. You are always so thoughtful and caring and I appreciate it so much. I'm feeling better and I can't wait until Santa gets here.

I'm so glad I have answers to all your questions. I ask a lot of questions too and since Mom says I'm nosy, I have to find the answers and share them with my friends.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Stubby xoxo

Sandra y Coco Pug said...

Hi Stubby! We would like to participate in the Valentine's day card exchange! We sent out Christmas Cards this year, and I didn't have your address, otherwise I would have sent a special one just for you!