Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Event Date: July 1 – July 30
Location of Book Drop-Off Box: Break Room
Lead Contact: Kira Dionis-Petersen, email@example.com
Cards for Hospitalized Kids (CFHK) is an internationally recognized charitable organization that spreads hope, joy & magic to hospitalized kids across America through uplifting, handmade cards.
Anyone can get involved from anywhere. Individuals and groups across the United States, and world, donate time and creativity to make handmade cards and send them to CFHK for distribution in hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses across the nation.
What supplies do I need?
The only supplies you need are paper and a writing utensil, such as crayons, markers etc.
What are the supplies I can use?
Many people choose to use other craft supplies such as:
- Special Markers
- Glue-on craft decals
- Other craft supplies
What are the supplies I can not use?
The only rule regarding craft supplies is that nothing is excessive to the point of falling off. This is extremely important, as it can create health concerns for some patients.
To see if this is an issue, typically just running your finger over it and seeing how much rubs off will suffice. If little or nothing comes off, it is OK.
Please do not use glitter.
Addressing the card:
Since we do not yet know the child’s name, please make sure you do not address the card to a specific person.
If you want to address the card, or writing within the card, here are some suggestions:
“To: a very special person
Decide what to write on the card:
At the request of hospitals, please do not write “Get well”, “Feel Better” or other illness related comments.
This is very important since some of the patients suffer from medical conditions that are chronic, life-long, progressive and/or terminal.
We recommend that you write uplifting messages such as:
- Stay strong
- You are awesome
- Never forget how amazing YOU are
- You rock
- I hope you have a great day today
- You shine brighter than the sun
- You inspire me
- Be Brave
- I believe in YOU
Make sure that you do not…
– Other than signing your first name, please do not include any personal information, such as: phone number, address, email address etc.
Hospitals will not allow us to distribute cards with this information.
– Do not write any religious comments such as “God Bless” or “I’m praying for you”. Hospitals do not allow us to distribute cards with these comments. Hospitals treat patients of all religions as well as patients that do not practice religion, which is why they do not allow us to give out cards containing religious comments.
Sign your name:
Now, sign your first name on the card. You can also sign your state, such as “Katie from Nebraska”, if you wish to.
For more information
- Meet with an assigned middle school student for one hour via Zoom two times per month, October 2021 — May 2022
- Serve as a role model and foster a positive relationship with the student
- Provide academic support, with special attention to STEM related subjects
- Provide personal and career path advice and support
- Explore STEM activities using CuriOdyssey’s signature inquiry style
- Consult with Program Coordinator should any challenges or concerns arise
- Complete a pre- and post- program assessment
- Strong interest in sharing your passion for science and other STEM subjects
- Reliable, empathetic and enthusiastic
- Comfortable engaging with a middle school student in an online setting
- Adept on the Zoom platform and able to lead Zoom sessions with sufficient internet speed and bandwidth to prevent freezing
- Have a private, quiet and uninterrupted space while communicating with student
Training and Support:
- Interactive online training in August and September
- Resource materials will be provided prior to training
- STEM Mentor Program Coordinator will provide on-going support and additional resources during the year
- Knowing you have created a transformative experience for a middle school student who might not otherwise have considered pursuing a STEM degree or career
- Help youth develop critical thinking, problem solving and other STEM related skills
- Enhance your online communication and leadership skills
- Experience inquiry based, learner driven education