Sending greeting cards to strangers

Greeting cards never fail to put a smile on someone’s face. That’s why we always send them out to loved ones and friends on special occasions or just to let them know they’re in our thoughts. Wouldn’t it be great if more people could experience the warmth of a friendly acknowledgment? Even strangers could benefit from a personalized greeting card, and, fortunately, there are a few ways this can be achieved. People who give to the community every day or have throughout their lives deserve a little recognition, and here are the ones you can easily support:

Soldiers
American soldiers deployed overseas are away from their families and friends, making their service an often lonely experience. Many charitable organizations recognize a need to send some love to our troops, and they are giving people the opportunity to do so. For example, the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program allows anyone to send a thank you card, letter of support or season greeting to veterans, troops overseas or soldiers in the hospital. A simple note could make a world of difference to someone who’s been away from their family for months or even years. The best part is, you don’t even have to wait until the holidays to make a difference. There are several programs that collect greeting cards and letters of gratitude throughout the whole year.

Senior citizens
Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities set up pen pal correspondence programs for their residents. Though a lot of these arrangements take off around the holidays, you can send greeting cards all year long. This is especially true if you get the chance to meet your pen pal and frequently keep in touch. Find out when his or her birthday is, what his or her favorite holidays are or about special occasions in his or her life, so you always have an opportunity to send a greeting card. Many people develop depression and other health issues with age, and sending a quick note is a simple way to show you care.

Your mailman
Your dutiful and reliable mailman or woman drops off your greeting cards every year, so why not return the favor? During the holiday seasons especially, it’s not uncommon for residents to leave a small gift in their mailboxes for postal workers. However, if you’re thinking about giving a tip to your mailman, you’d better hold off. Postal workers cannot accept cash, and any gifts must be under $20.

Handwritten notes and thank you cards not only follow their gift rules, but they provide a great way to show you appreciate the postal worker who delivers your mail, rain or shine. Throw in a bag of homemade goodies, and you’ll be sure to make his or her day.

Sending a greeting card to someone you’ve never met before might seem like a strange idea, but it’s definitely worth giving a try. If you want to make a difference but don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to volunteering, grab your paper and pen, and find out what opportunities await in your local area.