Before the Coronavirus epidemic, receiving a card might have served as a simple reminder that someone was thinking of you. Since the outbreak, however, many of our frail aged neighbors have quarantined themselves at home for their own safety. This isolation has lasted months, and our meal recipients are desperately lonely.
That loneliness is why Citymeals works with student, community and corporate groups all over the city to craft handmade cards that brighten the days of isolated older New Yorkers. Each year, hundreds of students from local schools decorate cards for their homebound elderly neighbors to be delivered along with meals or food packages. Last year they created 76,106 cards.
Please join us in reminding our frail aged neighbors they haven’t been forgotten. Showing you care can be as simple as making a thoughtful card.
Children prepare handmade cards for their frail aged neighbors.
Card-making Instructions:
Printer paper folded in half, cardstock or construction paper may be used along with crayons and markers.
The front of the card should say “Thinking of you," "Have a great day," “Happy Birthday” or be seasonally appropriate like “Happy Father’s Day,” “Happy Memorial Day” and “Happy Holidays.”
Be creative with your drawings. Designs such hearts, smiley faces, flowers, and anything else that might brighten someone's day are encouraged.
We kindly ask that you do not use glitter or religious language and symbols.
You should include your first name on the inside of the card, from your friends at Citymeals on Wheels, but please do not share other personal information.
THE BEAUTIFUL CARDS FROM THE CHILDREN ADORN MY WALLS. THIS FOOD NOURISHED MY BODY, BUT THE THOUGHTS AND LOVE THAT COME MY WAY TOUCHED MY SOUL. THANK YOU, BLESS YOU ALL.
– Anna, 80-year-old citymeals recipient
Mailing Instructions:
With your cards, please include on a separate piece of paper your full name, the name of your group, organization or company, and your email or mailing address so that we may thank you for your support.
On the outside of the envelope please list the number of cards, write “Handmade Card Project” and mail completed cards to:
Liz Cantillo
Citymeals on Wheels
309 Drake Street
Bronx, NY 10474
Should you need additional information, please reach out to Sheila@citymeals.org
100% of your donation will be used for the preparation and delivery of meals, thanks to our partnership with the New York City Department for the Aging, along with gifts from our board of directors and others designated for administrative expenses.
