By Sydney Smith Hamrick
Rowan Public Library

Many people enjoy giving back to the community during the holiday season. If you are seeking opportunities to spread holiday cheer to others this year, consider participating in Rowan Public Library’s annual Cards for a Cause program. This is the 10th year RPL has hosted the program, and library staff hope to exceed last year’s record-breaking card count of 6,779 holiday cards collected.

Cards for a Cause aims to get holiday greeting cards into the hands of active service members and local veterans each year. Each RPL branch hosts tables filled with blank cards for library visitors to fill out. Card makers have the option to decide if they want their cards to be distributed to service members in specific branches of the military or local veterans. Once cards are completed and returned, library staff organize the distribution of cards to ensure they arrive in the hands of service members and veterans in time for them to receive them before the holidays. 

Interested participants can buy or create cards of their own, or use the cards provided at each RPL branch. In the past, individuals have contributed cards as well as groups and organizations, including schools, nursing homes, churches, women’s groups and academic clubs, just to name a few. 

The last day to submit cards for Cards for a Cause is Saturday, Dec. 14. Cards can be returned to any RPL branch either at the service desks or inside each branch’s outdoor book drop. 

Individuals or groups interested in participating in Cards for a Cause can contact library associate and program coordinator Kim Dinkins at Kim.Dinkins@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-7842. For information about library programs and events happening during the holiday season, go to www.RowanPublicLibrary.org or call 980-432-8670.