A fun and helpful winter break activity for kids and adults!

While your kids are home from school on winter break this week, put their imaginations, crayons, and markers to good use.  "Snail Mail For Seniors", a non-profit organization licensed in the state of Michigan, sends greeting cards and pictures to senior citizens in nursing homes throughout the state each month.  These seniors are selected by the activity directors as the ones that do not have many visitors or receive mail.  Often times our monthly card is the only mail they ever receive.  Cards or pictures made by children are a special treat.  We send out nearly 800 cards each month, so we need to keep our supply up to meet the demand.  Many wonderful cards have been made over the past five years from children in schools, scout troops, churches, and in their homes.  Time spent making these cards can also be used towards community service requirements.  So, when you hear the words, "I'm bored", during the vacation, gather up some paper and markers and put them to work!  Let the kids know that someone will receive their card and hang it on their wall or put it next to their bed and everytime they look at it they will be reminded that they are not forgotten. Here are the guidelines:

Please do not write 'get well' on the cards.

You may leave the inside blank, or write /hand stamp a note or verse.

 You can sign your name, or 'a Snail Mail friend'.

Please make the cards no larger than 5 x 7 (smaller is preferred), and keep them flat as possible for easier mailing.

Do NOT use glitter, unless it is sealed with mod podge.

Large, bold writing is easier to read.

Envelopes are always welcome, but not necessary.

Do NOT seal your card in an envelope.  I read everything before I send it out.

Do not include items or treats inside the card.

 Non-made cards are accepted.

I do not use birthday, thank you, get well, or sympathy cards.  If I do receive birthday cards, they will be donated either to 'The Miracle League of Plymouth" or the Canton Senior Center..so do not sign those.

I also will not be accepting any more boxed Christmas cards.  I have had a lot of donations and have a huge stock of them for next year already.

Other items that can be donated are:  Manila envelopes for mailing the cards in bulk, padded manila envelopes, stamps, envelopes for the greeting cards, stock paper for making cards, stickers for card making.

Our local drop-off location for donations is Waltonwood Carriage Park Assisted Living Home located at 2000 Canton Center Rd., between Ford and Saltz Rd.  Items are to be in a bag or box marked "Snail Mail", and left at the front desk between the hours of 8:30am - 7pm.  Please include donor info.

Our mailing address is: Snail Mail For Seniors, P.O. Box 87491, Canton, MI  48187

  Next, I will be sending out spring and Easter cards.   Please try to have the Easter cards to me by the first week in March if possible. 

Take a look at our facebook page to see pictures of cards others have sent in.  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Snail-Mail-For-Seniors/124492997569226

Our website is:  www.snailmailforseniors.com 

If you have any questions, feel free to write to me at snailsmiles@hotmail.com

Thanks so much and I look forward to receiving lots of new creations!