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