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Smilecards Program Guidelines
SuperSibs! Mission: To honor, support & recognize siblings of children diagnosed with cancer.
The Smilecards Program is one of many services we offer to help siblings between the ages of 4-18 feel valued, special, important and recognized, at a time when their brother or sister is challenged with cancer. Your cards will help these SuperSibs! by bringing a bit of happiness as they receive your card in the mail.
As one SuperSib! said: "When I saw that a letter came addressed to me-- not to my brother, but ME -- I felt just SO happy inside, 'cause somebody not even in my family had noticed me, like I really mattered."
PLEASE READ THESE GUIDELINES SO WE CAN USE YOUR CARDS - WE NEED THOUSANDS EACH YEAR!
- Quality and neatness are more important than quantity. Markers, crayons, stickers and stampers can be used. They're fun and add creativity.
- Happy cards, only, please! We do not send cards with "Hope your sister feels better" or "So sorry to hear this news". Rather, please draw or write a brief message that will bring joy to the child.
- The text of the cards can be short. A colorful picture with a short poem or phrase such as: "You are special!" or "Just wanted to say hi!" will be just great. (See sample sayings on our website.) You may include something funny, like kids' jokes or riddles, or something interesting. Groups may choose to write the same text, as each card will be going to a different child.
- No slang or suggestive language!
- No religious references. Religion is a very personal subject. Please do not include Bible verses on cards, peace signs, religious stickers or references to the Zodiac. We want to be appropriate for everyone!
- Cards are welcome in English or Spanish.
A few more tips:
- Please don't put a date your card so we can use them when most needed.
- You may sign your name if you wish, but it's unlikely that these kids will be writing back, due to the volume of cards we sort through and send.
- Please make cards and letters with an 8 ½ x 11" size paper, folded in half, and then again (making a square). Or use colored card stock paper, 8 ½ x 5 ½" folded ONCE. No construction paper, please. These guidelines will help us stay within postage guidelines.
- If possible, place each completed card or letter in an unsealed envelope. We will add a SuperSibs! return address sticker to the envelope.
- If you don't have envelopes, send us the cards anyway! We will provide envelopes when needed.
- Please include a stamp with each card, if possible. While postage is a significant expense for SuperSibs! we will furnish postage if you cannot.
Feel free to prepare and send Smilecards to SuperSibs! as often as possible.
Have a monthly gathering and invite friends to join you in this effort!
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these special children!
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