I have been blessed to work with Cardz for Kidz through some 30 Nursing homes that my company serves. We made it a monthly project for our residents to make cards to send in. The residents love this and look forward to the group every month! When Covid-19 hit Ike, the President and Founder of Cardz for Kidz networked with me to help provided cards for our residents. I was privileged to be working one of the buildings hit pretty hard by Covid-19 when they received the shipment of cards for not just the residents but the staff too! The joy these cards gave to the residents and the staff was amazing. Everyone needed their spirits lifted and Cardz for Kidz helped make that happen. I highly recommend connecting with Cardz for kidz on any level you are able to. Thank you.
I continue to be blown away at the enduring pleasure offered by volunteering for CardzforKidz. So uplifting for the volunteers that the hours go by unnoticed and we can get so much work done. Yes it is work to count and process and make cards but the ROI is very high and sustained. I encourage you to add your creativity toward making a card for a isolated or disheartened child, senior or military hero. So worth it.
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A Win-Win-Win for all! The time and love to create, and deliver cards and the recipient smiles and warmth as they read and display their cards goes farther than the trio engaged here. Passersby, the postal carriers at the multiple shipping facilities, the store clerks that learn of the purpose of the card making projects, and the Families of those creators and the receivers- all witness the sharing of heart, and the intangible healing of the soul through the simplest media. I am continually enraptured and amazed. I make a few cards compared to the groups who make dozens upon hundreds, but we all share in the bliss of giving.
I attended a well organized event processing cards for children, older adults, and people in the military.
Me and my mom helped pack cards and book marks. The staff was very nice and I had lots of fun. I would recommend you do these events.
It was a great experience. My son and I spent the afternoon together counting cards. It felt good to help a great organization.
I absolutely love this organization. I am currently starting a chapter at my university. Seeing all the cards people make is quite inspiring
This non profit organisation is doing great things! I can’t wait to keep volunteering to put smiles on so many kids faces!
Wonderful program for the kids and for myself!! We have a wonderful time each 1st and 3rd Sunday making cards for kids! Such a great organization! Great time!
Great organization! Work is easy and goes quickly. Love seeing all the beautiful creations from all over the country!
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I was a volunteer at one of their card sorting events with some of my colleagues. The organization is amazing! The staff jumped right in and helped us through the process and helped us feel comfortable. They were great ambassadors for their programs. I love the way they use technology to make steps more simple while volunteering. Really appreciate the opportunity to serve with them!
I am 88 years old and have been making cards for Cardz for Kidz since 2014. It has given me purpose in my life for which I am grateful! I try to imagine the faces of the recipients as they open their cards which were made with love. I hope ion some way that love can radiate into the hears of men and women, boys and girls everywhere. Thank You for providing this opportunity. Emily Swanson
I volunteered for Cardz For Kidz and I had a wonderful experience! The environment was very welcoming and we had lots of fun sorting and proofing! I highly recommend this nonprofit!
This non profit is amazing! It feels great to know you are putting a smile on someone’s face who might be having a hard time in life. But I personally felt the impact when my grandmother was ill and she received cards and how big she smiled through her pain. Priceless.
A friend told me about vardz for kids. I went to an event and had a blast creating cardz. There are some real professional card makers out there. Be careful.
Cards for Kids is an amazing charity making a real difference in lives. Their dedication and passion is truly inspiring. I highly recommend donating or volunteering to help them continue their important work.
The card making mixers are so much fun! I’ve gotten to meet new people, try new restaurants and make a difference by making cards.
As an intern for Cardz For Kidz, working with this organization has been a great experience. As a Social Media Coordinator, I help plan and create the social media posts for our team. Through this experience, I have seen many of the behind the scenes photos, as well as the amazing cards people have created at events or sent in through volunteering. It is so heartwarming to see the thought people put into these cards, and to know they truly make a difference. This experience has been so rewarding, knowing I can help this organization reach more people so they can continue making people smile.
- Apala
I love creating cards with my daughter and volunteering with Cardz for Kidz, the counting and packaging events are fun and productive!
This was such a fun experience! It was lovely to see that all the cards kids make get handled with care, the team was wonderful and I will definitely be coming back to volunteer again. :)
I'm so happy I found this program I was srolling through internet to find where I can donate toys and I found your page which is a blessing.I would love to be a part of this organization making kids happy.Here is my first card
We worked with this group for community service for school and it was awesome! Great people doing great work!
I helped package cards for my Discover Chicago class at DePaul University and really enjoyed it! Ike and Dave were super kind and helpful, their system worked really well for myself and everyone in class!
LOVE THIS ORGANIZATION! My company, Lumaverse, creates cards and bookmarks as a team-building activity for this amazing group. The art we create is sent off to encourage people all over the world in hospitals, retirement centers, and any where else that needs some virtual hugs! Working with this group has been a true blessing!
I learned about Cardz for Kidz through a work volunteer event. After that initial work event, I continued to make cards on a monthly basis. I feel good knowing that my cards will put a smile on someone's face. This organization has donated many game systems in addition to cards. I enjoy working with Cardz for Kidz!
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I heard about Cardz for Kidz through my work and my mother & I have been sending hand-made greeting cards for several years now. It's a great organization that is doing something heartwarming by delivering cards to so many recipients. It's fulfilling to know my card is making that person smile.
We've been partnering with With Cardz for Kidz for several years and always look forward to these volunteer events! The energy of this organization is just wonderfully positive and everyone in the NPO is so passionate about the work they do. We love volunteering with them and helping the cause!
I have been making cards for Cardz for Kidz for many years. I can't really remember how long. (memory not too good at 86 years old!) This gives me much joy as I think about the Recipients who may receive the cards and I pray over each one that they will be received with happiness. I am grateful to Cardz for Kidz for this opportunity.
Cardz for Kidz is the most beloved nonprofit of Juniper Networks. Multiple teams within the company have participated in card making parties, donating handmade cards in multiple languages. Even our CEO has joined in the fun. As many smiles as this activity has brought to our employees faces, we hope that our cards will do the same for the kids and seniors receiving them. I would encourage everyone to get involved, it only takes paper, markers, maybe some stickers, and a whole lot of love and imagination. In addition to making cards, Juniper Networks donated $4000 for a portable entertainment system for Cardz for Kidz to donate to a worthy organization. Our donation went to the Ronald McDonald House in Barcelona this year. Ike Nwankwo, the founder of Cardz for Kidz is an amazing human being and angel (in my opinion) who has created a wonderful volunteer opportunity to make something special for those in need of a smile.
Perfect volunteer experience - well-organized, fun and friendly crew, great mission to support. I volunteered with my kids this weekend and we all want to do it again soon. I’m grateful to the whole Cardz for Kids organization for everything they do!
We had a fun time helping out today and will definitely make plans to volunteer again. The cards that people send in are so awesome.
I was so happy to have volunteered my time to help Cardz For Kidz nonprofit. The Cardz were so cute, so warming and definitely will reach the hands and hearts that each belongs to. I will definitely be volunteering again.
Thank you to Ike, Dave, and the many volunteers who contribute to Cardz for Kidz. The cards and gaming systems provided have brought smiles to so many and brightened their days.
I am so happy to volunteer my time and to support this nonprofit and hope that you will too!
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Cardz For Kidz is a great organization that brings positive messages through cards
that are handmade by so many creative individuals. The cards are delivered to uplift the spirits and bring smiles to the faces of those needing encouragement.
I have been so fortunate to help by creating cards for the last few years, as well as working behind the scenes. Everyone I have met that is part of this organization has a huge heart and works tirelessly to deliver joy and lift the spirits of so many around the world.
In addition to cards, the organization has also donated many mobile gaming systems.
I learned about Cardz for Kidz through my organization's global volunteer day and am so happy I have! A simple but impactful way to volunteer.
Super happy that the cards are not just for kids, but for seniors, vets, and more! I was happy to make cards for seniors and adults as many of my fellow employees were focusing on children.
Very clear instructions and you do not need to be super crafty to make a card / write a letter. A card will bring so much happiness to the person reading it.
I had an opportunity to volunteer for Cardz for Kidz through work in 2020 and it has been my favorite go-to volunteer activity ever since. It is such a lovely way to be able to make a difference while getting to be creative. It was also a fantastic bonding activity to do with my family. I hope it helps bring a smile to the faces of the recipients and they feel the joy we experienced while making them.
As part of Yahoo for Good initiative, I got to volunteer for Cardz for Kidz organization in creating cards. I made cards along with my toddler, helping me select colors and messages on the cards. It was so much fun to involve my kid too.I hope that whoever receives the cards uplifts their mood. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.
A colleague introduced me to Cardz For Kidz a few years ago as part of our company annual giving day. This organization works with volunteers to create and deliver handmade cards to uplift the spirits of seniors, children and veterans in need of support. The work this organization does is inspiring and it warms my heart to know that a card that I create will be delivered to someone who may feel a little more hopeful, happy or cared about after reading a card that has been created for them out of love. Since my initial introduction to this organization, I have had the pleasure of co-leading cardmaking events over the last three years as part of my company's annual giving day. It is always so fun to not only connect with colleagues with the shared goal of brightening up someone's day with a handmade card, but also to see and hear about them inviting their children and other family members to participate and make it a family day of giving! We just wrapped up our annual cardmaking event last week and this year we had the pleasure of hearing directly from the organization and spending time with them. There is such positive energy and love in what the Cardz For Kidz team is doing and I look forward to many more years of supporting them not only personally but also inviting others to join in on the fun to create these inspiring cards.
This is our second year supporting this organization and we absolutely love it!! Our dance team loves making these fun cards and using our creativity to help others! We have done multiple other charity’s throughout the years but cardzforkidz has definitely been the most fun to do! It’s a great easy craft to do at events that everyone enjoys!
I had the privilege to meet Ike during summer of 2021 when I organized an event for my work team for a virtual card making event. I wasn't sure how well it would go over since I was used to doing everything at the office and in a physical location with attendees. Well, this was so fun and informative, Ike was fabulous and shared the story of how Cardz for Kidz all got started and where it is today. It especially touched my heart to find out that every one of the cards created is sent to someone. Super cool!
I enjoy crafting and arts and wanted to be a part of something bigger than making cards for my family and friends one time a year for the holiday. This is something I can do all year long and know what I create makes a difference in someone's life. I'm so happy to be a part of organizing events at work and shared what a great non-profit this is with my colleagues.
Cynthia @ Ally - Detroit, MI
I love volunteering with Cardz for Kidz! I started volunteering w/ CFK when the pandemic began, and it was the best decision! Working behind the scenes and counting and packaging cards to send around the world is my favorite part!
CFK is an amazing organization dedicated to brightening the lives of children and seniors through homemade cards. Such a simple thing can be a tremendous blessing and encouragement to those who receive them, reminding them that they are not alone in the difficult season of life they're in. I've been fortunate to help both as a donor and a volunteer, and see how passionate CFK is in living out their mission. Our family has also received cards from CFK during some very hard times, and it was such an encouragement to all of us amidst the struggles we faced. I cannot say enough great things about CFK!
Cardz for Kidz is a fantastic charity to volunteer for - they're very clear on what they want, need and can use and are providing such a lovely service.
I have been making cards for Cardz for Kidz for several years now and it is amazing to see all the new artists that continually join this incredible organization. I have come to the conclusion that the staff must be immortal to hold down regular jobs and do all that they do. This organization and those who run it are truly a gift to the world, especially during these uncertain times.
I have made cards for this organization for over a year. I really admire their commitment to serving a wide variety of people. They also do a lot to try to connect with their volunteers and build a sense of community. I will continue to support them with cards and monetary donations and frequently recommend them to other card makers.
This is an update to my review last year.
Extraordinary magic is woven through Cardz for Kidz. From the creator to all the volunteers who help get the cards out around the world. They are truly magical because I don’t think that they even have to sleep! I am always inspired by their work and all the artists who create the cards and send them in. They are truly an awe-inspiring organization.
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I love making cards for Cardz for Kidz. As a TBI survivor who received cards from family during recovery I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back and thankful there is such a dedicated organization who works so hard to give hospitalized and traumatized children uplifting words and encouragement. They are able to use social media in such a positive way to thank and encourage their artists and groups to help out. To feel and create such passion and love for patients is truly a gift.
Outstanding work, 'Cardz for Kidz!' Whenever I've attended card-making events, there's great enthusiasm to bring caring & comfort to suffering children. People find this an incredibly impactful way to "give back." When kids are also present, they seem to love expressing "themselves creatively as well. It allows them to be just kids" again- without anything else attached. I think this love and acceptance is the greatest gift we can give them.
I loved volunteering with this organization. Creating handmade little works of art for children and their families is a joyful, simple, and wise path for sharing our compassion. This organization has cultivated relationships with children's hospitals around the globe to deliver directly to the children and in their native language. Thank you for letting me put my craft skills to good use!
My mother and I love to make special handmade cards. When we found this organization, we knew we wanted to use our hobby to support them. We love seeing all the cards showcased on their social media and it’s so great seeing them in the hands of those who need them. We have finally found our special organization to donate our cards to.
I have only been involved with this organization since Summer 2018 but have already hand created and donated hundreds of cards in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Portuguese. My goal is to donate 700-750 cards this year and am already halfway there. I like that their mission is to bring cheer to kids all around the US and the world. I especially enjoy seeing my cards in photos that recipient kids or organizations post on social media. It's so fun to see where they end up! This is a fast growing organization that's looking to expand even more. It's a very worthwhile cause and a good non-profit organization.
I enjoy making cards, so Cardz for Kidz is the perfect volunteer opportunity for me. I make them at home and save a bunch up and mail them in periodically. Cardz for Kidz has a great social media presence, they take pics of the cards they receive-my 5 yo niece made some and when she saw hers on line she was ecstatic. They also post photos of the kids that receive the cards and when I see my card with a recipient, nothing makes me happier.
We created cards for Cardz for Kidz and it's a very simple process. You can gather a group of friends and get creative and know your contribution will brighten a child's day. After creating your cards, you just mail them in and they are very good about featuring all of the cards they receive on social media, so you know they've made it. It's a simple concept that works great and it's so inclusive because anyone can participate in card creation.
I had the opportunity to connect with Cardz for Kidz in February 2018 at the Chicago Volunteer Expo! Their set up caught my attention as it was very interactive and had a table for volunteers to make cards that day! CFK demonstrated initiative that went above and beyond an informative info session. Shortly after attending the expo, I begin hosting events at my office in the loop and had a few get gatherings with my friends. It's truly such a great way to get people together and leverage creative talents for a special cause. Here at Schneider we set a goal of making 1,000 by the end of 2018 and we feel confident we have crushed it! I look forward to continue growing a relationship with Cardz for Kidz and potentially having the opportunity to hand deliver cards and experience the impact the cards have to the lives of children and their families experiencing a health battle. Cardz for Kidz is a one of kind organization and I feel so fortunate to volunteer with their team!
I first met Cardz for Kidz at a yearly event I run called the Chicago Volunteer Expo. This event is all about recruiting volunteers for various NFP’s and boy did the CFK’s team come ready to get people fired up about making cards for hospitalized children. They showed up at the event armed with card making supplies and by the end of the expo they had almost a hundred cards in several different languages. The passion Ike and his team had for putting smiles on kid’s faces was so apparent in everything they did that day. I absolutely fell in love with how simple the concept was…make a card and make a kid smile. Since that time I’ve hosted and attend several card making parties and even had the chance to tag along with Cardz for Kidz as they hand delivered cards to children at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. I can’t tell you how life changing that experience was to see the smiles on the hospitalized kid’s faces as they looked at the selection of cards. Also so many had brothers and sisters visiting who also shared in the joy of seeing the cards. We even had the opportunity to make cards onsite at the hospital with the kids. What a wonderful day it was. It was a first hand confirmation on how important the work this organization is doing really is. These cards have such a huge impact on the overall happiness of these children during their stay in the hospital. I will continue to be involved with Cardz for Kidz and I encourage everyone I meet to do the same.
I have a great time making cards and knowing they will brighten up someones day. :)
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A couple of years ago I was looking for a way to get involved with an organization since I love painting handmade cards and wanted to share them. Discovering Cardz-for-Kidz was a match made in heaven! What they do is just amazing, getting these cards to thousands and thousands of kids all over the world. They are always sharing the photos and thank-yous from the families that happily receive a big package of cards and are very communicative and appreciative to those of us who help out by making the cards. They even post photos of the cards we have made and give us credit for them which is so very nice and inspires me to keep wanting to help out. Although I have never met Ike in person, I know he is just amazing and i hope to meet him one day. He works tirelessly on this organization and it is my honor to support him and this very special cause.
I found out about Cardz for Kidz through a friend who works at a Chicago area business that has been supporting the nonprofit for years. As a business leader, I was looking for an organization that our team could support where we could "do" something as opposed to just contribute financially. Cardz for Kidz was exactly what I was looking for. It's a low cost investment with great returns. Several times a year I host a card making day and our corporate conference room turns into an arts and crafts zone filled with markers, glue, stencils, stickers, and glitter. Colleagues join in on the card making fun throughout the day when it is convenient for their schedule. They often come in groups and the day turns into a wonderful social visit strengthening relationships throughout the company all while doing good for others. People collaborate on cards, trading ideas and materials all while knowing the time they invested will brighten a child's day. It's an easy give back!
As the host of the event, the step by step directions on the website are super easy to follow. I know exactly where to send the cards and I follow Cardz for Kidz on social media, so it's fun to see where our cards end up! I highly recommend this organization and hope support for it continues to grow.
My family really enjoys some sort of craft, game or activity when we gather at Thanksgiving.
We found this Charity only recently and this year was the best activity yet! Family members of all ages and stages just loved making the cards! It was a wonderful way to bond and enjoy each others company while also giving back and a nice way to kick off the holiday season. We plan to make it an annual tradition! It also helped that I have lots of crafty family members that were excited to donate their craft materials to the pool.
The contact at the charity was also a pleasure to work with - very friendly, responsive and helpful when planning the event.
I have had the pleasure of working with Cardz for Kidz for several years now, and have been able to see firsthand the positive effect these cards have for families dealing with a hospital stay, and have been able to see the nonstop dedication of this organization's volunteers and staff.
The focus is on making a personal and impactful connection to bring some joy and care to families who are going through a tough time, and being able to provide someone with something so simple, but so impactful as a card for them is really a remarkable feat. The focus is always to bring people together to make cards with or for kids who are dealing with some tough situations, and to let them have something positive and emotionally boosting personally.
This group of people are among the best people I've ever met, and being able to just share a few moments to make a card, or spend the day making cards in person with the kids who are benefiting from the activity is really heartwarming, and allows for so many opportunities to help out, despite any schedule or complexity that you might be facing.
My wife is an avid scrapbook who is always looking to share her talents. Cardzs
for kidsz has been a great way to do that. They have offered a chance to easily brighten a child's day by making a card. This can be done alone, as a family and I'm the work place. We have done all three. All effort goes directly to make a child's day better. Great experience and great nonprofit organization!!!
I met Ike a few years ago when he came to do a presentation of Cardz for Kidz to the company I was working for at the time. I was so impressed with his presentation and his mission and I said to myself I want to be a part of that mission. 4-5 years later I am at a different company hosting quarterly Cardz for Kidz events with my team. Everyone is inspired and is happy to put a smile on these children's faces. Its a good feeling inside to have the opportunity to make cards with the kids as well at Lurie hospital. I also have my family make cards for kids during Thanksgiving or Easter. This organization is Fantastic. If you think you are not creative just make your first card and you will see how hooked you will be. Great organization for a great cause.
A few years ago, Ike Nwankwo, a former student of mine, asked me to make "just one card" in Spanish for Cardz for Kidz. I told him I had absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever. About 600 cards later, I discovered I had more of a creative mind than I had given myself credit for and making cards for Cardz for Kidz has kept my mind active during retirement as well as being a lot of fun. Experimenting with things like spinner cards has been a great challenge, each getting more complex than the first one I tried. And what else do teachers think about than the happiness and wellbeing of kids? The cards don't have to be complex nor cost a lot of money to make. They just have to be positive and maybe sweet. I encourage everyone to try just one card, and you might find yourself hooked too . Enjoy a great project! Diane Kalata
I have been involved with this nonprofit for over two years and look forward to more opportunities to give back. I help coordinate and host crafting parties and take every chance I get to volunteer at the local children's hospital! I am very grateful for everyone who participates to give these kids a reason to smile!