Teen’s Non-Profit Brings Smiles to Children All Over the World

Cards for Kids

By Haley Burgess, Contributing Writer

Art has always been an important part of my life - I love the creative expression that defines drawing, painting, or sketching. Because of this love, I have been taking art classes with professional artists for many years. After coming across my own difficult situation and receiving cards with heartwarming messages that put a smile on my face, I discovered a new talent, card-making, which motivated me to participate in an autumn harvest festival selling my handmade and painted cards. I was thrilled to see the reaction people gave after seeing the cards and the smiles on their faces.

I began to think of a project in which I could help others, specifically kids and youth, by bringing smiles to their faces. This inspired me to start Cards for Kids - a project in which handmade and painted cards are sent to kids around the world facing poverty, homelessness, or a difficult situation. I researched widely for organizations, shelters, and hospitals in the United States. After contacting such places as The Children's Shelters in Texas and Children's Hospital of Boston and sending them my handmade cards, I saw how excited the kids were receiving my cards. This inspired me to globally expand the project. I started contacting many places outside of the United States such as Hearts in Unity in Tanzania, Safe Passage in Guatemala City and New Life Children's Home in the Philippines. After receiving replies that the kids would love to have cards sent to them, I mailed cards over to these international locations and the kids loved them! My cards were making kids smile both in the United States and all over the world.

I then decided to post Cards for Kids on DoSomething.org, a website dedicated to promote and spread awareness of projects started by youth. I also created a website - http://www.wix.com/cardsforkids/cards-for-kids. When I discovered many different social websites to promote my idea, I received a flood of e-mails from individuals and families to high school committees, scout troops and colleges that have wanted to help make cards. In addition, companies such as Hero Arts and Stampendous have donated card-making supplies to Cards for Kids. I am overjoyed and overwhelmed to see the amount of people who I have inspired to take action and spread awareness of Cards for Kids. Since the project began, over 900 cards have been sent to kids.

Most recently, I received a joyful e-mail full of pictures of kids in Kenya opening the cards, which can be seen on the Cards for Kids website, and truly shows the global impact that is being made. I have also received over 40 hand-written thank you cards from kids in the Philippines, one saying "Haley, Thank you so much for the greeting card! A wonderful letter my heart feels.” Another one saying "Haley, I am happy that I received your card. I believe that joy, love, and peace today will fill in me tomorrow and always.” Reading these messages from kids facing difficult situations, saying that a smile has been put on their face, motivates me to continue Cards for Kids.

A quote by Ghandi, "be the change you wish to see in the world”, has always been one of my favorite sayings and acts as true inspiration to me. People cannot simply sit back and expect others to change - a person must be the change, make the change, and initiate the change.

If you would like to learn more about Cards for Kids or have any questions feel free to e-mail Haley at CardsForKids524@gmail.com or visit http://www.wix.com/cardsforkids/cards-for-kids.

-Haley Burgess is a high school junior in Franklin, Mass. Haley has always been interested in helping others, writing, and art. She wanted to combine these interests to create the international project, Cards for Kids. In addition to founding CFK, Haley enjoys playing the piano, painting, and is on the TeenInk Magazine Student Advisory Board.