October 31, 2008

Papertrey Pass It On Challenge

It's time for the Papertrey Design Team November 1st Challenge! When Nichole suggested that we reflect upon all the blessings we have in our lives during this Thanksgiving month, I began to think about all the things I have to be thankful for. Her challenge to the Design Team was to use stamping to help bring blessings into other's lives also. What a perfect time to make a special effort to put a smile on some one's face by sending them a card or making someone a homemade gift.

This holiday season, my girls and I are going to be making cards to send to children with life threatening illnesses who need a pick me up. The Make A Child Smile Organization is a wonderful website that features such children. You can learn about the children, their illnesses and find a few kids featured each month. Or you can print off the entire list of kids and make it a goal to send a card to each child this holiday season. You can see a list of all the current kids HERE, where you'll find their name, age, state, type of illness and a photo. Please take a moment to visit this wonderful website and to learn more about these courageous kids.

Here's my first cards that I'll be sending out some kids from the MACS list. I used Papertrey's Pond Life set to create a fun and bright caterpillar pocket card. The fun polka dot background paper is PTI's Polka Dot Parade, as are all the colorful ribbons. I thought that some pocket cards would be a great way to add in some additional messages from the girls and perhaps some stickers. Candy and/or gifts are discouraged...a card is all that is suggested and needed to brighten a child's day. My finished card measures 4.25" x 5.5" and is just held together with two brads. I added some *messy stitches* to the pocket card insert. I used the Spellbinder's Long Rectangle Dies to cut and emboss my caterpillar image. For the sentiments, the MACS organization says it's best to stay generic and to not use *get well soon* type sentiments. Many of these children will unfortunately not recover from their illnesses so a simple *hello* or *thinking of you* type sentiment is more suitable.
I know the girls will jump right in to help out making cards, so I started them off with a little card kit. I stamped some cute owl images and sentiments from the Wise Owl stamp set. I added some precast cardstock, ribbon, patterned paper, brads and envies.
Then I packed the card kit items into a large Papertrey glassine sack and added a printed label to the front plus some white polka dots from the Polka Dot Basics stamp set.
I will keep refilling the card kit sack as needed and will keep it hanging in my stamp room. I told the girls where the card kit sack is and that they can use whatever supplies they want to complete the cards. I'm also going to hang up the address list and some stamps. I'm encouraging my girls to send cards to these kids in hopes that they will know just how lucky they are to be healthy kids and to really appreciate the things in life they have.
You can check out the other Design Team Members' "Pass It On Challenge" posts here:

Debbie Olson HERE

Heather Nichols HERE

Lisa Johnson HERE

Lauren Meader HERE

I would like to extend a challenge to you also, my fellow bloggers. I would love to get 40 of my wonderful blogging friends to pledge to making cards this holiday season for some sick kids who would love to receive a card of cheer. You can use cards that are in your stash, you can make new cards, get together with your church members to make cards, have your kids help, send a card a week.......whatever you want. Imagine how you feel when you receive a birthday card in the mail. Now imagine how a child who is terribly sick and possibly hospitalized will feel when they receive dozens of cards just for them. It makes my heart swell just thinking about it!! I hope you will join me this holiday season in spreading a little cheer.

If you would like to make this pledge of your time, a few supplies and some postage stamps, please leave a comment to this post. I will be updating this post with all pledge names. I thank you in advance if you choose to join me. It will mean so much to me and all these wonderful kids.

Here's my list, starting with me......remember, I'd love to get FORTY names on my list:
1. Michelle Wooderson

2. Mary from California

3. Tina Phillips

4. Shari from New Jersey

5. Leslie in SC

6. Abi

7. Jennifer S

8. Megan

9. Angel Plank (VT)

10. Heidi

11. Ramsey

12. Stephanie from Florida

13. Elizabeth Bracco

14. Shari in NJ (another Shari)

15. Kelli, Faith,Daniel, and Jolie from Lynn Haven, Florida....awesome guys!!!!!!!!

16. Joan E

17. Chelle

18. Softangelkisses

19. Keri Lee Sereika

20. deedee......I knew I could count on you!

21. Traci

22. Victoria

23. Jen

24. Sandy

25. Kim, Molly,and Amanda from Michigan....you go girls!!!!!!

26. Rachelle

27. Mickey in Alabama

28. Erica Payne

29. Chris

30. Melanie from Australia is going to pick a similar organization near her, woohoo!

31. Jennifer, Andy and Jacob....you guys rock!!!!!!!

32. Joanna

33. Robin Owens and family.....bless you guys!!

34. Danni

35. Scrappin Cheryl

36. Karen Mackie

37. Melinda

38. Kathyl from California

39. troy louise

40. patriciad

41. michelle

42. Jenny Mich

43. Victoria G

44. Dawn Madigan

45. Mary from California

46. Maria....Hi Magoo!!

47. emtsweetie

48. bonnie

49. staci lynch

50. Kahtie Bailey

51 Heather McNally.......HI Baby Cakes!!

52. Lisa Davis

53. Kathy McDonald

There were a lot of other comments on this post but I wasn't sure if you signed up or just wanted to give a shout out. So if you took the pledge, thank you!!!

70 comments:

Ronni said...

Michelle, I love that you and the other ladies are involved in a Pass It On Challenge. I myself at the beginning of this year to help those less fortunate than me. I am currently making cards (and accepting donations) for the following groups:

Cancer Support Ministry of the Greater Allen,A.M. E. Cathedral of New York
Where There's A Need (supplies handmade head scarfs for children who lost their hair due to chemotherapy); children and families would love and cherish cards made especially for them

Also, I have a friend that helps the "Green Way Angels". They serve and prepare Thanksgiving meals for the families of children at The Ronald McDonald house on Long Island. They would appreciate holiday cards as well.

I also have been making cards for the organizations and causes dear to others and I will be sure to support you and the other PaperTrey Design Team.

Anonymous said...

Mish, What a wonderful thing. Sign me up! I'll start today by first giving all three of my healthy children extra tight hugs and lots of kisses (my 15 y.o. son might not like it but what the heck!) I am so thankful for all three of them and our good fortunes. I think I'll use your card kit sack idea and include my daughter and I might be able to talk my sons into it, we'll see. Thanks for all of your inspiration. You are such a talented lady. I enjoy having my coffee with you every morning. Have a good day!
Tina Phillips

Mary said...

I would love to participate! As the mother of a 20 year old disabled son, I am thankful every day that his disability is not more severe or life threatening (he has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound but is the smartest, funniest person I know!) I think the group you picked is awesome and I am off to print out the list of kids that would enjoy a card. I will also pass along and post about this great cause on my blog so my readers will hopefully be inspired to contribute as well.

Thanks to the PTI group for the wonderful inspiration!

http://mbryt1.blogspot.com

Shari said...

What a great challenge this month! Sign me up!

Anonymous said...

Please add name.

Leslie in SC

Abi said...

Hi Mish
I love your blog and would be honoured to help. My son has suffered for years with Ostegenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease) and I am greatful for every day I have with him and my wonderful daughter. Please let me know how I can participate.
Thanks again.
Abi

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea! and a timely one too since fellow stamper extraordinaire Laurie Schmidlin's (Just Give Me Stamps)12-year old daughter has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Thanks so much for passing on this important and meaningful challenge.

Jennifer Scull said...

Please add me to your list. I will create a special posting for this on my blog tomorrow. Thank you for letting us know about it!

Megan said...

I have a PERFECT stamp for this occasion! I've already got a card or two made up with it, but I can make a few more! Thanks for this challenge!

Anonymous said...

I would love to be added to your list. My daugter loves to craft with me, and I am sure she would love to help as well. I am considering starting a blog. If an dwhen I do, I will be more than happy to add this. Love reading yours.

Heidi said...

Hi Michelle!
What a great idea! Please sign me up.

Heidi

Ramsey said...

I'm up for the challenge! What a great thing!

Ramsey in Wyo.

scrapfancy said...

Put me down:
Stephanie from Florida
This will be a great thing and fun way to help out this year. Thank you for the info.

Elizabeth Bracco said...

I will join your challenge. I will be enlisting the help of my friends and family. I will post on my blog the progress we are making along with the cards. Thank you so much for sharing this information and a chance to bring a smile to a child. All children should know they are loved and cared for. :)

Shari said...

Michelle,

This is a wonderful idea. Please sign me up too.

Another Shari in New Jersey

Unknown said...

I've been looking for an organization for my kids and I to support. They love giving/sending cards so this is perfect! Sign us up!!

Kellie
Faith 9 1/2
Daniel 8
Jolie 5
Lynn Haven, FL!

Anonymous said...

I'll be glad to volunteer for this worthy cause. Add my name to the list. Joan E.

Kelly Lunceford said...

What a wonderful idea! Thanks so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

thank you mish for this fabulous opportunity! i am so blessed with a healthy child...we have been going through a hard time with our 15 year old that is going to have surgery on her ankles, she has struggled with feeling grateful during this time...we have talked about how fortunate she is not to have ever had surgery or illness...she has always been healthy and for this, i am ever so grateful and blessed.
i commit to the challenge gladly!
chelle

Mary said...

We have done the MACS for quiet a while - if you would like to add me to your list feel free to! I love the MACS site!

Keri Lee Sereika said...

Hey Mish!!! Add me to the list...I am SURE I can come up with something to put a grin on another little ones face. :) I loved your idea of the card kit...that is FAB!

DeeDee said...

Oh Mish...add me to your list....this is soooooo GREAT...I love stuff like this...I love to help and what better than to help a kid....THANKS Mish!!! Oh, BTW....I love your cards and the idea for the girls to make their own cards....wonderful!!!! HUGS!!!

Anonymous said...

I have been trying to think of something to work on since Halloween is now over. Please sign me up for this challenge. What a great idea. My husband and I are so blessed to have 2 healthy, thriving kids. My 8 year old daughter said, "Mama we have to do that!". So please sign us up.

Anonymous said...

This morning we joined our friends for the 3rd year for the JDRF walk for the cure. My daughter's best friend was diagnosed just after her 4th birthday and they are only 2 months apart so it hit home for us. I have been friends with her Mom long before either of us were Moms!

I would love to be added to your list and do what ever I can to make a sick child a bit happier. I am so lucky to have a healthy wonderful 6 year old.
I have never participated in any kind of challenge but this is something I could not ignore.
Lets get stamping!

Victoria

Jen said...

michelle, i'd love to join you. my cards might take a few days longer to get there(coming from germany) but i'd love to be part of your great thought!! thanks for the opportunity!

Melissa said...

Sweet, sweet, sweet! These are certain to bring a smile...completely adorable Mish.
Melissa

Sandy said...

Please add me to your list. What a wonderful project to be a part of!! My 66 year old mother was in the hospital for 24 days earlier this year and either me or my sister stayed with her at all times. While it was very hard for my family, I was saddened more by the number of seriously ill children there were at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. I couldn't imagine all that they and their families had endured. I will be reading the stories of the featured kids of the month with my daughter and we will send out cards each month.

I am a faithful follower of your blog and I enjoy seeing all the wonderful things you do for (and with) your children and the other special people in your life. Your kindness has now been "kicked up a notch" by participating in this program and challenging others to do the same.

Anonymous said...

You can add my daughters and I to the list: Kim, Molly and Amanda from Michigan.

Thanks for the wonderful idea!

Rachelle said...

What a wonderful organization. Sign me up. And I just love your little card sack for the girls.

Anonymous said...

please add me to your list. I'd love to help!! :O)

Blessings to you for doing this and motivating us to help in this project.

My children and I just shopped and wrapped gifts for Operation Christmas Child, where you donate shoe boxed filled with gifts. It's not run by my church, but our church is pitching in to help. Such fun. My oldest daughter said something very touching tonight. She said "wow, Jesus was right". And I said "in what way"?
And she said "it really IS more blessed to give than to receive". I thought that was just sweet, coming from a 12 yr. old. :o)

Thanks for the jump start. This will be fun. I too will include my kids, and we'll have a great time. :o)

Mickey in Alabama

Erica Payne said...

Thank you so much for posting a link to a great website. Add me to your list as well. I'll start by putting a card in the mail tomorrow!
Erica
www.ericasartisticattic.blogspot.com

Chrisd said...

Sign me up please

Melanie Pickering said...

Oh Michelle, what a wonderful, heartfelt thing to do. You have certainly inspired me to do something similar here in Australia - my 2yo son was recently in hospital to have his tonsils & adenoids removed and although he was only in the day surgery ward, there are a lot of sick kids in the hospital. I'm going to find out where I can send some. Thanks for the inspiration, as always!
Mel (in Brisbane, Australia)x

joar001 said...

What a wonderful idea. We love to send cards as my boys find all the addresses and map them to the Cities and States. Sign us up and let us know where to send.

Jennifer, Andy and Jacob

JoAnna said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful way to help. I actually was in the NICU when I was born and just a few years ago I decided to make quilts and package them up and take them to the NICU where I was. It was so wonderful to see families faces when they were handed a quilt from a young person. I love to always help out in causes like this.

Sign me up!!!

Anonymous said...

These are so super sweet. Love them. Love your holder!
Becky

Anonymous said...

I was so inspired by your post. My daughter and I visited the website for Make a Child Smile and we were brought to tears. We already made five cards and are mailing them tomorrow. I am encouraging our two older children to write short notes to the kids they pick from the list. My son is going to write the boys and my daughter, the girls. Thanks again for your inspiration. Robin

danni reid. said...

I, too, was moved to tears, have created 3 cards/addressed them and will be making more each day. Thank you so much for the info., the challenge, the site, the inspiration, everything Michelle!

hugs & love!
danni

Scrappin Cheryl said...

You've got it! I am also sending cards to the troops!

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I was on your blog today and would like to be part of your challenge to send sick kids cards. I went to the web site that you listed and got the recent address. Thank you for all that you do. I just love your blog. Have a great day.
Karen Mackie
Kmackie@verizon.net
"brad's mom" SCS

Melinda said...

Please add me to your list. I think its a wonderful idea! Suggestions on how to sign the card would be appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, what a wonderful idea. I have bookmarked the site with all the kids names and I will be planning on getting some cards out to them this holiday season.

Thank you for letting us know about this organization.

Troy Louise said...

Michelle: I would be happy to sign up to send cards. What a wonderful & thoughtful way to share our love of stamping. Thank you for providing the information. And, thank you for all of your beautiful stamping inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Ok, girl, I'm all over this one. Add me to the list which should bring you to 39...1 more to reach your 40 goal!! This is such a great idea. Surely there has to be someone out there....

Unknown said...

I am so pleased that you brought this organization to our attention.

Since it's an American organization it may be better known in the U.S., but this is the first time I've heard of it.

I have next week off from work and plan on spending time crafting so I will be adding cards for kids to my list of things to do!

I'm sitting here reading about different kids and it just brings tears to my eyes. I'm going to try and send cards on a monthly basis to different people. I will be sure to keep checking out the MACS website for the most current information.

Thank you again for bringing this to my attention.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this opportunity! I would love to send a card and will do so tomorrow! I will have my boys help and "write" notes too. (They are 2 and 4) Thanks again for sharing this with us as I feel it is something that is so doable!

Staci L. (WA)

Kathie Bailey said...

Count me in Michelle! I can't think of a better cause than to put a smile on the face of a child.

Heather McNally and Melissa MacDonald said...

Mish - this is WONDERFUL! Add me to the list, babe! I'm on this - I think this is just the thing I need!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mish , sign me up, I want to participate also!
Lisa Davis
Luvstamp@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Mish, you may add my name to the list. I'm just finishing up a big project this week and then my time will be freed up to participate in something fun and fulfilling.

Shannon said...

What a wonderful idea! Sign me up!
Shannon from Colorado

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous idea. Please add me to the list -
Mary in NY

MelissaS said...

Please count me in! Melissa S from NJ

Tami McBeain said...

Sign me up, I would love to participate! I can't think of a better reason to make a card! Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Tami McBeain

paperplay said...

What a wonderful use of our time, talent and love of making cards. And something so simple that can help bring a smile to someone else. I will definitely be participating in your challenge.

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and this is a great challenge! Sign me up!

Pat said...

Hi Michelle,

Children are near and dear to my heart and I would love to join this great group. When you lose a child to a rare disease, I can relate to what these children/families are going through.

Pat from Illinois

snowmom13 said...

Sign me up too.I checked out the website and it was just heartbreaking to see those photos of the children who are going through so much. It will be nice to send some cards to brighten their day.
Anette(snowmom13)

carole (TruCarMa) said...

Count me in, Mish! I'd love to be a part of this wonderful challenge.

**Nancy** said...

This is so awesome!!! I would love to be a part of this!! Please sign me up!!! I already went through my stash and pulled out 3 cards for the featured girls this month!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! My cousin passed away several years ago at the age of 6 from leukemia and while he was in the hospital he loved getting postcards and mail. I would love to do this in his memory. Count me in!!!

Amanda Angert
Cincinnati, Ohio

Anonymous said...

What an awesome idea ~ sign me up!!

Barbara DeBose said...

sign me up to. My kids and I will make and send some cards over the holiday break. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Please add me to your list of people committed to making cards. I'm also using this as an activity for the religion class I teach.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

Maureen Labanowski

Chrissy said...

Hi Mish! Add me to the list ... I will help!

Anonymous said...

Hi! Love your blog, and try to read it at least once a week. So I am a little late in joining the challenge of sending a card to each of the kids on the MAC list. But, I am gonna try!!! :) What a great idea. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Jennik

Terri said...

If it's not to late you can count me in. I did something like this with my homeschooling group this year but would love to send some cheer to these kids too.

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled on your blog and would like to find out more information about the make a child smile. I am interested in doing this. Thanks~~~ Barb

Unknown said...

SO sending each child a christmas card!!! thanks, Mich, for this great idea. Susan

Bridgett Owens said...

I have been sending to MACS for over 7 years now! It's a wonderful organization and I am so happy you are bringing it to the forefront. Be sure that you let others know that it is okay to print out addresses but that they definitely need to keep checking back to see if the status of the child has changed. It would be so hard for the parents to keep receiving cards when their child has passed away and once the kids are better and no longer need these services there are many other kids who would love to receive their cards. The children who have been on MACS the longest are usually not sent as many cards or notes of encouragement so be sure to include them, too!!!
Hugs,
Bridgett Owens

Related Posts with Thumbnails