Greeting Card Bonanza!
United Way of Forsyth County is hosting a Greeting Card Bonanza!
What the WHAT!!!??? Yes! Greeting Cards! Remember the last time you received a physical greeting card? More than likely it included a message and/or image that was heartful, humorous or inspiring from someone who had you on their mind.
About the Need and Opportunity
We are inviting volunteers to join us in supporting our Partner Agencies in creating “Thinking of You” Cards for Senior Citizens, “Happy Graduation” cards for our student-centered partnerships who have students graduating, “Encouragement” cards for End of Grade student Testing and “Welcome Home” cards for first-time families and individuals getting the keys to their new home or being rehoused.
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“Thinking of You” Cards for Senior Citizens |
“Happy Graduation” Cards for Graduates |
“Welcome Home” Cards for New Homeowners/Rehoused |
“Encouragement” Cards for End of Grade Student Testing |
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For Forsyth County Senior Citizen residents spending time at community centers, resting in their homes, and residing in assisted living facilities located in United Way’s Place Matters footprint. |
For our student-centered partnerships who have students graduating in Forsyth County. |
For first-time Forsyth County families and individuals getting the keys to their new home. |
For our student-centered partnerships who have students in Forsyth County taking end of year tests. |
What Can I Do?
- Create one or more greeting cards with words of encouragement, uplifting quotes, religious verses, images, and pictures
- Purchase, create at home or work, or come to United Way to hand-make cards
- Determine the size(s) of your cards. Make sure that images and words are large enough to see/read
- Be creative! Use materials in reach – craft paper, magazines, etc.
- Make it an artistic project with children and youth, family, friends, co-workers
How Many Cards Can I Make/Purchase?
- LOTS - As many as you can! We hope to have a few hundred cards to share with Seniors Citizens, Graduates and New Home Residents.
- Stop by United Way to get started!
- If you want to complete the project at home or with your organization or co-workers, drop off cards to:
- 301 North Main Street, Suite 1700, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Deadline: Please drop-off completed cards by 8PM Friday, April 24.
TIPS FOR WRITING CARDS
Cards for Senior Citizens Messaging Tips
- General “thinking of you” themes
- Positive messaging focusing on comfort and joy
- Avoid anything negative or referring to being alone, isolated, lonely, or forgotten
- Include well wishes, words of encouragement, poems, and quotes
- Share something light and personal — information about a hobby, a pet, the season, school, kids’ activities, etc.
Cards for Graduates Messaging Tips
- General "congratulations and what's ahead" themes
- Positive messaging focusing on excitement, possibility, and pride in their achievement
- Avoid anything that references doubt, uncertainty, or the challenges of "the real world"
- Include words of encouragement, inspirational quotes, and well wishes for the journey ahead
- Share something light and celebratory — a fun memory, a favorite quote about new beginnings, a nod to their next chapter (college, career, travel, etc.)
- Acknowledge the hard work it took to get here — make them feel seen and celebrated
Cards for End of Grade Student Testing Messaging Tips
- General "you've got this" and "we believe in you" themes
- Positive messaging focusing on confidence, encouragement, and celebrating the effort — not just the outcome
- Avoid anything that references failure, difficulty of the test, pressure to perform, or negative "what if" scenarios
- Include words of encouragement, fun and age-appropriate quotes, and simple affirmations that feel genuine and not over-the-top
- Share something light and relatable — a funny joke, a favorite study snack suggestion, a reminder to breathe and take their time
- Remind them that one test does not define their intelligence, worth, or future
- Keep the tone age-appropriate — warm and friendly for younger students, a little more motivating and peer-like for older students
- Emphasize rest, a good breakfast, and showing up as their best self — practical encouragement goes a long way
Cards for New Homeowners/Rehoused Messaging Tips
- General "welcome home and fresh start" themes
- Positive messaging focusing on stability, belonging, warmth, and new beginnings
- Avoid anything that references past hardship, housing instability, or difficult circumstances
- Include well wishes, words of encouragement, and uplifting quotes about home and community
- Share something warm and welcoming — decorating ideas, a favorite recipe to make a space feel like home, a note about the season, neighborhood, or community resources nearby
- Emphasize that home is more than four walls — it's safety, comfort, and a place to grow
GENERAL TIPS FOR ALL CARD DESIGNERS
SIGNATURE OPTIONS:
Please use your first name so the recipient can identify with you. (Please only use your first name)
CREATION TIPS:
- Bright and engaging colors and designs
- Stickers, stamps, art tape, paint, ribbons, buttons, colored tissue paper, markers, crayons, etc.
- Re-purpose old calendars, greeting cards, and magazine cutouts and secure with glue/tape
- Incorporate variety of interesting shapes
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Individual envelopes are not necessary; if envelopes are included, please leave them unsealed.
- Grouping bundles of cards together are preferred, wherever possible. However, all contributions are welcome!
· Take photos of your group/team creating cards
