Cards for Cubs is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and encouraging young people navigating the foster care system by delivering handmade, heartfelt cards. These special cards serve as powerful reminders that foster children are valued, supported, and never alone.

Their Story and Mission

Founded by a compassionate case manager inspired by firsthand experiences, Cards for Cubs strives to combat feelings of isolation and uncertainty common among foster youth. They firmly believe that even the smallest gesture—a carefully crafted card with an encouraging message—can significantly impact a child’s emotional well-being and sense of belonging.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of children enter foster care due to circumstances beyond their control. In fact, as of recent statistics, over 350,000 young people are part of the U.S. foster system, with approximately 108,000 eligible for adoption. Foster children can range in age from infancy to 18 years old, with the average age of 8 years old. The average time spent in the foster care system is often longer than a year. Cards for Cubs aims to ensure that each of these children receives a personalized, handmade card to remind them that they are cherished.

Their Philosophy

Cards for Cubs believes every child deserves compassion and encouragement, particularly those who have faced trauma, loss, or uncertainty. Through creativity, kindness, and intentionality, they harness the collective goodwill of our community to provide emotional support and foster resilience in young people who need it most.

Who They Serve

Their heartfelt cards reach children and young adults navigating various stages of foster care—including those integrating into foster families, working toward reunification with biological families, or experiencing the adoption process. Each card carries a personal message of hope and encouragement, thoughtfully written by caseworkers familiar with the child’s story and needs.

Their Programs and Impact

Each year, they host their signature event—#CardsForCubs in April—with a goal of collecting 100,000 cards. During this nationwide event, crafters and volunteers from all walks of life create and send handmade cards, ensuring foster youth across the country experience love and support. The event highlights the extraordinary generosity of donors and underscores the impact a single card can make in a child’s life.

Volunteer and Get Involved

Cards for Cubs thrives on the generosity of volunteers nationwide. They offer unique virtual volunteering opportunities that allow anyone, anywhere, to participate. Volunteers craft cards at their convenience, following simple, inspiring guidelines, and then mail their creations directly to Cards for Cubs.

Charities2Love has a virtual volunteer opportunity to create cards at home in order to support their cause. To join this meaningful initiative, see the details on the Charities2Love website.

A recent volunteer opportunity was hosted by a dedicated teen volunteer from Charities2Love at his high school. This dedicated group called Hearts Meets Hands had 58 student volunteers create 104 cards! Such events amplify the mission, inspiring youth and communities to engage creatively and compassionately.

Recognition and Support

Every handcrafted card is a beacon of hope. Your involvement, whether making cards, hosting local events, or spreading awareness, significantly impacts a child’s emotional journey through foster care. Quality and quantity both matter deeply—every card counts, every message resonates.

We invite you to become part of the Cards for Cubs community, dedicated to making a profound, heartfelt difference in the lives of foster youth. Join the vision to provide each foster child in the U.S. with a reminder of their worth and dignity.

Additional Information and Conclusion

A simple card can profoundly impact the emotional health and sense of worth for a young person facing life’s toughest moments. Cards for Cubs is here to ensure that no child feels alone or forgotten. Your support, whether through crafting cards or advocating for foster youth awareness, is essential.

Together, let’s remind every child in foster care: they are loved, supported, and never alone. A word of encouragement goes a long way.

Connect with Cards for Cubs:

Website: www.cardsforcubs.org
Use #CardsForCubs to share your support and raise awareness!

Written by: Aatif Dawawala, a high-school student with a passion for technology who “loves to create a valuable product.” We appreciate his willingness to volunteer and help small non-profits like Charities2Love.