Sending a handmade card is a wonderful way to connect with homebound older adults in our Schechter Holocaust Services program. In the past, this generation primarily communicated through handwritten notes and letters, so your personally written message will be particularly meaningful.

We welcome two types of cards:

• Caring Cards – general messages of warmth and connection
• Birthday Cards – for celebrating clients’ birthdays
  Right now, we especially need birthday cards.

General Guidelines for All Cards

1. Card Type: Use cardstock or a store-bought card (no printer or construction paper, please).
2. Decorate the Front: Keep designs light, cheerful, peaceful, or neutral. Avoid scary or dark imagery.
3. Envelopes: Include a matching envelope for each card, but do not seal or insert the card—this helps us review and distribute them more efficiently.
4. No Cursive: Please print clearly. Many recipients read English as a second language and may not read cursive.
5. Optional: If you speak Russian, we welcome cards written in Russian for our Russian-speaking clients.

Birthday Cards

1. Leave the inside blank – we will personalize the message.
2. On the back of the card, sign your first name. Children may include their age. You may also include your school or organization.
3. Add this line under your name:
   “Made for you by a JF&CS volunteer.”

Caring Cards

1. Write a warm, cheerful message inside. Avoid references to seasons, holidays, or specific dates so we can use the card year-round.
2. Sign your first name. Children may include their age in parentheses. If you’re part of a school or organization, feel free to include that.
3. Add this line under your name:
   “Made for you by a JF&CS volunteer.”

Message Ideas:

• Wishing you moments of happiness and delight. I hope your day is peaceful and bright.
• I hope you know that you are being thought about by so many people in our community.
• Someone remembers, someone cares. Your name is whispered in someone’s prayers.
• I just wanted to send some happy thoughts your way.
• Sending caring thoughts and warm wishes your way.
• Thinking of you and saying hi. I hope you are hanging in there!
• We are thinking of you and sending big smiles.
• A bunch of smiles and a little note to tell you that I am thinking of you.
• I hope you are surrounded by peace and good health.
• I wanted you to know that you are in my heart, hoping that your day is serene and full of peaceful moments.
• Wishing you smiles and lots of sweet thoughts.
• Not a day goes by that you aren’t thought of and wished well.
• Sending you the brightest wishes to say, I hope you are doing well.
• I hope this card brings a little sunshine to your day. You’re being thought of by your friends who think the world of you.

Or feel free to write your own heartfelt message!

Important Notes

• Please do not mention that the recipient is a Holocaust survivor or has experienced hardship.
• Include your email address with your card delivery so we can stay in touch.

Delivering Your Cards to JF&CS

We have several options for delivering the cards.

1. Mail the cards in a larger envelope or box to: 

Tal Haitner
JF&CS
1430 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451

2. Drop off your cards at JF&CS Headquarters (1430 Main Street, Waltham). Drop-offs can occur Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tal Haitner's name must be on the package. 

3. If you have created a large number of cards and are not able to send them to JF&CS Headquarters, please contact Tal Haitner (thaitner@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-1243) to arrange a mutually convenient location for in-person drop-off.

Please remember to leave cards out of their matching envelopes. If you have any questions, please contact Tal Haitner at thaitner@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-1243. Thank you so much for making cards for our clients — it means so much to them!