Local Charities Release Holiday Cards for a Cause

Every holiday season, families across the country send cards to their loved ones, filling them in on the last year and wishing them a happy new one. 

For families planning to buy holiday cards this year, nonprofit organizations around the area are offering unique cards that benefit their missions. That way, each card sends holiday cheer while supporting a worthy cause.

Here is our round-up of holiday cards for charity.

The Salvation Army – St. Louis

Smiling bell-ringers in front of Downtown St. Louis’ Peabody Opera House greet recipients of this 2011 holiday card. Pick up yours at The Salvation Army office near Forest Park and support youth programming and homeless assistance throughout Missouri and southern Illinois. 

Cost: $10 for 10 cards

Find them here: 1130 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63139

Questions: Kathy, 314-646-3039

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Two local children — both diabetic since age 5 — designed the Greater Missouri Chapter Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s holiday cards. Proceeds help the foundation fund, promote and support research on type 1 diabetes.

Cost: $15.90 for 15 cards

Find them here: morethancards.com

Questions: 314-729-1846

Siteman Cancer Center

For those diagnosed with cancer, art can serve as way to release or explore their emotions. The Arts as Healing Project at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital provides that outlet for patients and their loved ones, and one of the project’s participants designed this year’s holiday card.

Cost: $1 each

Find them here: 1 Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza or 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110

Questions: 314-362-7844 or siteman.wustl.edu

St. Louis Crisis Nursery

Proceeds from all the cards sold by the Crisis Nursery goes to the group’s emergency fund, which helps vulnerable families keep heat, light and water in their homes through the winter. Cartoon children ice skate on this winter wonderland-inspired card.

Cost: $10 for 10 cards

Find them here: miriam@crisisnurserykids.org

Questions: crisisnurserykids.org

Court Appointed Special Advocates of St. Louis County

Volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates help give children in the complicated child welfare system a voice in their own fate. This year, children in the program drew holiday cards as a fundraiser.

Cost: $14 for 20 cards

Find them here: casastlcounty.org/give/shop

Questions: 314-615-2908

Friends of Emmaus

Emmaus Homes is a faith-based mission providing care to adults with developmental disabilities in St. Louis. The group started in 1983 in Marthasville, MO. One of the Emmaus Homes residents designed this year’s holiday card.

Cost: $7 for 10 cards

Find them here: 636-561-7747

Questions:636-561-7747 

National Alliance on Mental Illness

To support those living with mental illness in St. Louis, the National Alliance on Mental Illness sends residents to a California nonprofit where those with schizophrenia, depression and other mental illnesses create art, which is featured on holiday cards.

Cost: $10 to $15 for 25 cards

Find them here: NARSADartworks.org

Questions: 314-962-4670

South Side Day Nursery

Founded in 1886, the South Side Day Nursery provides child care for parents and guardians who work, receive job training or attend school. Some of their children designed this year’s holiday cards.

Cost: $10 for eight cards, $2 shipping

Find them here: bmoss@ssdn.org

Questions: 314-865-0322

Crime Victim Advocacy Center

Support crime victims with this card from Consolare, a fundraising group for victims’ services in St. Louis. Consolare also sells luxury goods that console and comfort, with all the proceeds benefiting the advocacy center.

Cost: $10 for five cards

Find them here: consolare.org or supportvictims.org

Questions: julie@supportvictims.org

Humane Society of Missouri

Cards featuring cats, dogs, horses and wildlife benefit abandoned and vulnerable animals in Missouri.

Cost: $10 to $20 for 15 cards

Find them here: The Dog Store, The Cat Store, The Horse/Wildlife Store

Questions: 860-201-5166