Cards of Hope

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Send hope in the mail.

Many youth in foster care will never receive a birthday card or a note of encouragement. That’s why we launched a program to make sure they know they are remembered and loved. Wherever you live, you can send a card today encouraging youth or thanking the social workers who support them.

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It’s Simple to Get Started

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Write an encouraging note.

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Send your card in the mail.

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We’ll distribute your card to youth in foster care.

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Spread hope and encouragement!

Get Started

Download your
Cards of Hope guide.

From suggested messages to mailing instructions, we’ll provide everything you need to start sending hope today.

"*" indicates required fields

Are you sending this as an individual or part of a group service project? *
Group or Individual

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Anyone can make a difference.

Individuals or Families

Whether you gather your family members and friends to join you or you send cards on your own, your support is needed and appreciated.

Organizations

Rally your coworkers or fellow volunteers to join you in making a difference by hosting a Cards of Hope party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get your questions answered.

Yes, we receive and send cards year-round! We appreciate if you can complete the form above to let us know to expect your cards in the mail.

The youth our partner organizations serve are ages 6-18.

Download our Cards of Hope guide to find information on what cards we can and cannot accept.

Download our Cards of Hope guide to find suggested messages that will offer hope and encouragement.

We ask that you do not include money or gift cards inside your Cards of Hope. The true value of your card is its message of hope, which is the best gift you can give.

We collect toys and games from a wish list during the holidays – scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up for our e-news to receive updates about this.

Please do not enclose bulky items or dried flowers inside the cards: we cannot mail these items in flat envelopes. Stickers are always appreciated, however!

If you would like to contribute to the cost of sorting and mailing the cards, you can make an online donation here.

Download our Cards of Hope guide to get all the mailing instructions you need.

When employees volunteer, some companies match their hours with dollars. Your time writing Cards of Hope may qualify for a financial donation to Braid, so be sure to track the hours you spend purchasing, writing, and sending cards, and check your corporate giving database to find out if these hours are eligible for a grant. Braid Mission is a registered nonprofit in Benevity.

Because we receive such a wide range of cards, we’re unable to verify the amount of time individuals have spent on creating or writing cards. We are happy to email an acknowledgement for the number of cards we received, but not the amount of hours. Please email us at [email protected] before you mail your cards if you will need us to send proof of receipt, or include a note in your package with your email address.

We are not able to facilitate ongoing “pen pal” relationships with foster youth, but if you are interested in this, we recommend that you check out other organizations like Pen a Friend or HelpOurKids.

Have more questions?

Testimonials

Hear from volunteers who have sent cards

“Our nursing home residents truly enjoyed this project and it gave them a feeling of accomplishment. They would like to make Cards of Hope as part of their community service on a monthly basis.”

Susan Moore

Activity Director


Villa at Great Lakes Crossing Nursing Center Detroit, MI

“We are a service organization from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. We strive to serve our community in any way we can. We love what you guys do! Keep spreading love!”

Clasped Hands in Service

(CHIS)

“It is inspiring and heartwarming that you all take the time to help these kids during their uncertain times. While I have not been an actual foster child, I have had personal circumstances that left me without family. During that time, all I needed were words of encouragement and guidance.”

Maya

“We hope these handmade cards will brighten and encourage the many youth you serve. Your mentoring program and commitment to these often-forgotten children hearten and inspire us – we sincerely thank you for all you do.”

Emily Saldico

VP-Service


Square and Circle Club San Francisco, CA

“Thank you for spending your time and effort to make the world a better place by creating connections, spreading hope and awareness, and sending out thoughts and well wishes to kids who need it.”

From your friends at Crane Aerospace


Lynnwood, WA

“Clearsulting as a team really enjoyed making Cards of Hope for the youth supported by Braid Mission. Knowing the cards can have a positive influence on a kid’s day as they see the handwritten note is second to none. We would love to continue supporting this awesome cause in the future.”

Clearsulting core team

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You can contribute to lasting transformation from home.

You don’t have to be local or even leave your house to make a lasting difference in the lives of youth in foster care.