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Story by
adam
Published on February 20, 2009 in Craftivism |
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WRAP-UP: So, Valentine's Day has come and gone. We showed up early (for a Saturday) at the West Village location for CityMeals-on-Wheels, ready to rock. The folks at CityMeals were ever so gracious, taking a moment to thank everyone (that means you!) for sending in the cards. Afterward, Vivienne, one of the organizers, came over to thank us again and to say how truly amazed and appreciative they were to have received such a lovely assortment of Valentine cards. 
Then, we were given our lists of names, picked up our bags with the meals, and were on our way. It was a cold but sunny day, and it made for good walking. My small group ended up being assigned to a large and somewhat famous building that is a sort of artists' colony. This made for some interesting conversations with the folks to whom we delivered the meals. We spent the next few hours chatting, helping, and delivering.
From my personal perspective, I found it to be a very rewarding experience, which I look forward to repeating. I also encourage you, dear reader, to do so as well if you find yourself with some free time. It's a great way to support people in your community who really need and appreciate it.
In conclusion, thank you thank you thank you to everyone who made and sent the cards! They all found good homes. And a shout out to SwanMountainSoaps, FashionGreenTBags and TimesAndChimes, who were accidentally omitted from the official thank you page due to a (read: my) clerical error. Last but not least, thanks also to the Etsy admins and their friends and family who came out to volunteer. Looking ahead, we will get a head start on this in 2010, so that we can gather even more cards. See you then!
[The following was originally published on February 9, 2009]
UPDATE: I received more mail last week than ever before in my life, cumulatively. We put out a call for folks to donate cards for elderly in need, and we got a total of 1,578 Valentine cards donated from over 150 sellers. A great big Thank You to all who sent them in. It was heart warming to open each one and see each Etsian's interpretation of a valentine. You can find out who sent them on the Special Delivery page.
The folks at Citymeals-on-Wheels were delighted, and I'm sure the eventual recipients of the cards will be too. On Valentine's Day, several of us will be suiting up to tromp around Manhattan and deliver them. We'll be sure to add some photos of that day to our flickr group. We plan on doing this again next year, and we'll get started even earlier so that even more people can join in!
[The following is the original call for cards from January 20, 2009]
There is too much love on Etsy for us to keep it to ourselves. So this year, we decided to share the love with a project we're calling Special Delivery. This Valentine's Day, we're teaming up with Citymeals-on-Wheels to bring nutritious meals, handmade greeting cards and companionship to thousands of homebound elderly New Yorkers.
"Gee, that's nice, but how do I get involved?"
Easy! We need your help to supply the cards. Citymeals-on-Wheels serves over 18,000 people, so we need as many as we can get. There are two ways to do this. The first is (you guessed it) to make your own card or send in a vintage card from your shop and fill it out with a nice message. Please craft as many valentines as you would like and send them to us. Before you send them, you can also post photos of your cards in our brand new Special Delivery flickr group.
If you don't have time to make cards, you can buy them and have them delivered to us. The deadline for us to receive the cards is Monday, February 2, 2009. There are a few other important guidelines for this, so please carefully read the FAQ's below.
"Ok, then what happens?"
Special Delivery! We will collect all the cards and bring them to Citymeals-on-Wheels, where each will be delivered along with a meal on Valentine's Day. Several of the Etsy admin will be volunteering that day. We'll be tromping around the city with hot meals and friendly conversation to brighten the day of local seniors.
"Is that all?"
No! Each Etsy member who sends a card (or cards) will be featured on a Special Delivery page that will be linked from a banner on the Etsy home page. When you send your cards, please include a separate note with your username and user ID number. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
"Is there anything else?"
Yes! Here is a badge that you can download and put in your item listings or on blogs. This is a great way to help spread the word and help us reach our goal of 18,000 valentines. Here's the embed code:
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/article/3268/"><img src="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/01/SDBanner125x125.jpg"></a>
You can also help by donating to Citymeals-on-Wheels, or by volunteering or donating to your local organization.
Now stop asking questions, read the FAQ's and get crafting! February 2 is closer than you think. Oh, and thank you very much for helping to spread the love.
FAQ
1. How do I participate in Special Delivery?
Two ways. Either make or purchase a handmade Valentine's Day greeting card (or several). Please mail them to:
Etsy
Attn: Adam Brown
325 Gold St. Floor 6
Brooklyn, NY 11201
If you make the card(s), please be sure to include a note with your Etsy user name and ID number. If you buy the cards, please ask the seller to include a note with your Etsy user name and ID number when they mail the package to the above address.
*To find your user ID number, go to your shop home page. The number is at the end of the web address. It will look like this: etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=123456. So, in this example it's 123456.
2. When do the cards have to arrive at Etsy?
The deadline is Monday, February 2, 2009. This is important!
3. Are there any rules about what the cards should look like?
Yes. Please follow these guidelines, otherwise we can't use your card(s):
- No glitter! This creates food safety issues.
- Please make your cards cheerful by using bright colors. You can decorate cards using paint, crayons, markers, pastels, collage or anything else you can think of.
- Please avoid dark backgrounds and religious symbols.
- Please write clearly and in large print, and avoid using the abbreviation “V-day”. Please say, “Valentine's Day”.
- You should not give out your address or suggest that the recipients write back to you. Initiating an ongoing correspondence is not appropriate.
- Please make sure that the cards are appropriate for the intended audience. That is to say, pretend it's for your elderly grandma, not your snarky, angst-ridden teenage brother.
4. How many cards should I send?
As many as you want!
5. If I buy a card, does the seller get credit too?
No, but you could certainly tell them about Special Delivery and encourage them to send us their handmade cards, too. In that case they should include their own user names and ID's as well.
6. Is this open only to Etsy sellers?
Nope. This is open to anyone who wants to help brighten someone's day. You do have to be an Etsy member to be included on the Special Delivery page, though.
7. Can I send vintage cards?
Sure! The more, the merrier.
8. What's that deadline again?
We need to have all of the cards in our hot little hands by Monday, February 2, 2009. Thanks!
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176 comments Login to add your own!
Sinta
What a great idea! Such a sweet project :) Hrm, better spread that badge around and sort out my own cards ^_^
alidesign
This is a wonderful idea! I will definitely send in some cards! :)
HeyMichelle
Awesome! I will definitely make and/or buy some cards! I think I am going to be one of the delivery elves, too!
Lizzyoos
I ran a meals on wheels program for 10 years and this is such an awesome idea.
CoventryRoad
This is wonderful! It is really going to mean a lot to these people. I'm so excited! Hope you get a lot of responses.
4TheSparrowsNest
This is a beautiful idea!! There are so many lonely folks on V-Day....I used to call it "D-Day" back in my sad single days, lol. I will be sure to send in some cards. :)
icklesis
Aww how cool is this idea, i will totally be sending 1 or 2 cards in, loving the idea guys :)
CarolynsCookies
great idea...i'm not to crafty....i bake.
My mother would have loved to get something like this.
HelloDollies
Beautiful idea ... but one question. What sort of greeting do people write inside the card? Being from Australia, valentines day is kind of different here and I'm not sure what to write, but I want to contribute!
ThePeachTree
This is such a fantastic idea! Any chance they'll be a Monday Night Craft night before the due date to make cards together??
EtsyStore
Hi Peachtree--Yes! We'll have a Valentine's Craft Night on February 2nd. Also, feel free to come by for the Church of Craft meeting at the Labs on Sunday, February 1 from 1-6pm to make some Valentines too. See you soon!
moondogfarm
what a great idea! I'd love to help out. Thanks for including my sweet little felted heart!
ThePeachTree
EtsyLabs, thanks for the heads up! I have them on my calendar!
pumpkinhaus
this sounds like a good project to do with my daughter!
i would love to send a slew of handemade cards your way adam!
nuyoricangreetings
what a great idea adam - i'll definitely be sending some cards your way!
LoraCornellMcKelvey
What a great idea! I will have my little boys help me- they will love this! Okay, how do I put the bdage on my page?
disCARDS
I love this idea! I just participated in a very similar project with Fred Flare and I'm totally up for more! I have a question about the glitter rule though: would fake rhinestone embellishments fall into the same category? I recently got some for my valentines and don't want to use them if they're unsafe! Thanks!
mandinka
This is a wonderful thing!!
I'm feeling the love in the air today.
budpnq
Lovely idea! I used to make cards all the time...need to grease up the wheels and get 'em turning!
NottyPooch
Sigh, I'd love to contribute one of our latest Valentine's card but I'm not sure if it will be able to arrive on time - I'm shipping from Malaysia and the post office will be close next week for Chinese New Year celebrations! >.<
giusypatch
I will send mine this morning, I only hope that arrive from Italy to USA in time.
DoodleStar
What a great and thoughtful idea...I love this...thanks for doing this..I'm off to get my Valentines cards ready!
bijougirldesigns
This is a great idea! I love the idea of Etsy giving back!
TheBrassHussy
how fun. I have some Vintage Valentine Cards that were given to my Grandmother in the 1920's. Would it be ok for me to color copy them, and send them to you?
BeeDazzlesGifts
how fun! I just got an order from another seller, and will also be sending along some on my own behalf for this awesome cause!!
fashiongreentbags
Don't know if I'll buy or make but I'll do something. I'm a volunteer companion where I live and the contact is very menaingful. Regular contact can extend a senior's life!
monamivie
I sent mine from Paris today, had to get a leg up if I wanted it to arrive on time!
adam
disCARDS
I have a question about the glitter rule though: would fake rhinestone embellishments fall into the same category?
-- Yes, I would avoid any glued-on embellishments. Rhinestones taste bad.
----------------------
NottyPooch
Sigh, I'd love to contribute one of our latest Valentine's card but I'm not sure if it will be able to arrive on time
-- Well, you could always buy one from a seller closer to us. Thanks for caring!
----------------------
TheBrassHussy
I have some Vintage Valentine Cards that were given to my Grandmother in the 1920's. Would it be ok for me to color copy them, and send them to you?
--- As long as they look nice! Since these won't be sold on Etsy, it's more of a, "it's the thought that counts" situation.
Thanks all, and tell your friends!
kirby
I love love this idea! Such a sweet way to cheer people up and make them feel special. I plan to get to work on this today so I can have some ready to pop in the mail tomorrow. Thanks Etsy for being thoughtful. :)
libelulas
This is a wonderful idea! I will definitely send in some cards!
I already have some made.
Do they need any writing inside or just blank?
adam
libelulas
Do they need any writing inside or just blank?
---- You can sign the cards with your name if you want!
fairytalefibers
Silly question here! I understand that we are not including our addresses. Do the cards need to be blank? Can we include a note? Something like made with love for you? Can we sign them?
fairytalefibers
Ah silly me! Adam answered that we can sign them! Thanks Adam!
dragonhouseofyuen
great opportunity to make someone happy!
a few Arabellas and Baby Hare valentines will be on their way soon from Scotland!
thank you etsy
zevcards
This is a great idea -- I'm going to send some cards as well try to see if I can organize something local.
Has anyone thought about posting this on the USA Service site?
ewenmeprintables
FUN!! I'm going to try to get somethings sent to you guys!
deeHAYmer
How sweet is this!? I am SO in! This really warmed my heart today. :)
VintageSongbird
I'm sending several cards... do they all need to have envelopes?
adam
VintageSongbird
I'm sending several cards... do they all need to have envelopes?
---- Either way is fine, it's up to you!
cutiepiecompany
Oh my gosh, this is awesome... it would great to do this again for other holidays. Citymeals is one of my favorite local charities! Sweet. I'm going to send some in! If you need any help with deliveries, I'd be happy to tag along (I'm in the Bronx)!
sharonclancydesigns
Oh, this is wonderful! what a great idea I LOVE it. I'll be working on mine today!
kristensteinfineart
What a fantastic idea. I'm going to get my 4yr old involved and we'll collaborate. Share the love! -kristen
maclancy
great idea! CAnnot wait to get these to Etsy... I think everyone who has cards or sells them will want to participate in this one...
TheDecoratedHouse
Love this project!
Beau Bunny valentine cards will be on the way, too.
What a great response from Etsy sellers!
SplishySplashCraft
What a wonderful idea! I guess I will have to get to work and send in a few cards!
capitolagirl
Great idea Adam--what a fun project!!!
***runs to craft room***
GammaGammaStudio
Adam, Lovely idea. Guess better get off the computer and get on with the cards making then...... ;-)
amysfunkyfibers
What a great idea! I am a home health nurse , and I know how much the elderly love just to see a smiling face. I am sure it will make their day!
PoPkO
Please write clearly and in large print, and avoid using the abbreviation “V-day”. Please say, “Valentine's Day”.
----
i thought it was "St.Valentine's Day", it celebrates St.Valentine. thats a religious figure.
anyways, should there be a message besides Happy St.Valentines Day? (i'm not trying to be difficult!)
PetrinaCaseStudio
Hello and hello Adam,
Only have 6 to send so far
Question is:
Do you want the plastic protector left on--
or should I pull the cards and envelopes out of each cover?
Another dumb question:
Do you want the card put in the envelope or left loose?
Hugs,
Petrina
adam
PoPkO
Please write clearly and in large print, and avoid using the abbreviation “V-day”. Please say, “Valentine's Day”.
----
i thought it was "St.Valentine's Day", it celebrates St.Valentine. thats a religious figure.
anyways, should there be a message besides Happy St.Valentines Day? (i'm not trying to be difficult!)
----------
Ha ha PopkO. I didn't write those rules, I just am trying to follow them. And I don't think that your average person really considers V-day (zing!) to be a religious holiday. It's more of a chocolatey holiday. We can argue semantics later.
Anyhooo, you can write whatever you like, but Happy Valentine's Day seems sufficient. Thanks!
adam
PetrinaCaseStudio
Question is:
Do you want the plastic protector left on--
or should I pull the cards and envelopes out of each cover?
Another dumb question:
Do you want the card put in the envelope or left loose?
----
Petrina, there are no dumb questions. A: no covers and loose envelopes means less papercuts for me. thanks!
ciaraobscura
This is a beautiful suggestion~ I can't wait to hear how many cards Etsy has received for the elderly peeps.
wevegotpaper
That's such an amazing project, wow!
I made 10 cards so far... I might ask my 4 year old son to help me make some more tomorrow! :)
CarasScrapNStampArt
If you want to participate but think you live too far and your card won't make it in time or maybe you don't want to make cards, see my shop. You can make a special purchase of 3 Mini Valentines and brighten 3 people's day!!! The shipping is on me. I will mail it to Etsy for you.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
CarasScrapNStampArt
Already sold. Check the shop, I'll relist it. I've got 12 cards ready to go-yeah!
Jemjoop
Love this idea. I'm going to send a stack of cards to Mr. Adam Brown in Brooklyn. How great that they will make someone smile instead of just collecting dust in my shop ♥
smashgirlcards
Need a card to send? Visit my shop! I'm offering free shipping on my cards and I'll mail them for you!
Kiiss
I bought one of yours, CarasScrapNStampArt. Thanks for making this easy for international Etsian that wants to contribute too. :)
CarasScrapNStampArt
Thanks, Kiiss!! Yeah, more cards. Come on, we need 18,000!!
ooty
I made some cards, I think this is such a great idea!!! I will send it by ems (3 days superfast shipping) from Israel =0).
<3
beadznthingz
This is such a wonderful idea. I have purchased some cards and they are on their way with thanks to:
CreativeHandsLLC
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
littlebbunny
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
LostInTheValley
Such a wonderful idea!! I've got some cards on their way!!!
riricreations
This is the kind of thing is the main reason I love to do what I do~ the ripple effect, or paying it forward: I make the card and send it and the receiver gets as much joy out of it as I did making it. Or, even better, someone buys a card from me, so the buyer/sender gets the joy, as well as me the maker, and the receiver. The receiver, meanwhile, is extending love and kindness because someone reached out to them, and so forth. I'm proud to be an etsy seller and to be associated with a group of people who believe in not just talking about helping their community, but actually doing it. If you're reading this and you don't have a card to send, and you buy one of mine, I'll ship it free myself...I just need to figure out how to get the link on my page that explains it to buyers...Keep up the kindness etsy~I think I'll design a special "riricreation" card just for this event. Blessings to all of you!
mlepaints
I'm an art teacher, would it be okay to have my students create some cards and then send them in?
adam
mlepaints
I'm an art teacher, would it be okay to have my students create some cards and then send them in?
-----------
That is a great idea, please do. :D
PetrinaCaseStudio
----------> Challenge <-----------Calling all Artists
Glad I was able to send in 45 cards mailed today.
PRIZE for the top Artist that sends in the most cards.
Hurry, there is still time.
I will design a special Swarovski crystal bracelet and matching pierced earrings to the color you want.
Good luck Artisans, hope you win.
raghousenternational
This is great!! I am gonna get involved right away!!
raghousenternational
I sent my cards in! Yay! I was happy to be involved..
madebyjackie
someone bought one of my cards for me to send in and I sent one in myself :) such a great project!!!
belleslettres
this is awesome. i'm sorry i'm too dippy to have seen it in time to send something.
voleurdebijoux
truly wonderful and so sweet!! this is when i think Etsy really shines. :)
lalala08
How awesome! You guys have fun, next year hopefully I will see them message, I would have loved to send you some! :)
OrganicPanic
Its also a nice reminder to send a send a card the old fashioned way.
KisforCalligraphy
So awesome! Great work everyone!
And thank you to the "Cupid Elves"!
weethingsandmore
That is so Wonderful of you to do for our elders! It brings tears to my eyes when I stop and actually consider what you have done for these people and I see all the cards that people have donated. It is a reminder to all of us people are out there that still care about one another.
Great Job everyone!
MGMart
I wish, I read the article earlier. I think that was a really nice idea, I am upset I missed it!
If you do this again next year, I will be one of the first ones who will send a card from Hungary :)
ME2Designs
♥ ♥ Thanks, Adam & Etsy - this is such an awesome "community" effort that will certainly brighten the lives of all the people who receive the cards with their meals ♥ ♥
abbyhorowitzdesigns
It was so much fun making the cards. Thanks for listing me but...
when I clicked on my name I got this message:
Uh oh!
Sorry, the user you are looking for does not exist.
atimeforart
Drat! I missed it! how do I know where to look when I want to give, give, GIVE!!!! help me I'm a newbie
Isabelcards
Oh, I am so sorry to have missed this. We even have a couple valentine's cards
on our site. I will have to check this out sooner.
Does this happen at other holidays? Seems like Thanksgiving and Christmas would be a good time as well as so many get depressed at those two holidays.
EpicBones
awww! love the featured photo by moondogfarm. it's true, there is a lot of love on etsy :)
Sylviascorner
I am so sorry I did not know about this. Be sure and let me know the next time you need cards. I always have extras.
disCARDS
Thanks for featuring my card in the "related items"! This was such a fun project; I really enjoyed being part of it!
kirby
So pleased that you had such a wonderful response! I can't wait to hear how the day goes, and I hope that many people will be charmed and touched by this project. I had such fun!
artdecadence
Great work ur doin here...and the pics are fab...that jack my boy card is ingenious!
lillah
hummm sorry I miss it!
Could we organize something similar for Easter and passover?
marysworkshop
It was a great idea and I'm glad I could be part of it. Thanks Etsy for caring about the community.
ThePeachTree
I'm so glad I was able to do this :) I too found it to be so rewarding and something I hope to do again very soon. Thanks again Etsy for always raising that bar!
disCARDS
Thanks so much for the update! Keep these opportunities coming!
moondogfarm
So great to hear how things went on Valentine's Day! Thanks for the update!
BlueTerracotta
Glad to hear it went well! Looking forward to doing it again!
cutiepiecompany
You guys rock! Thanks for the update and thanks for putting this project together!
LoraCornellMcKelvey
Glad it went so well and was well recieved. it was awesome to be a part of this!
ME2Designs
A big thank you to Etsy for coordinating and facilitating the project! I'm sure that the meals and cards that you personally delivered were well received, and how wonderful that you were able to interface with some homebound artists on that day when you made your rounds. Certainly everyone came away with warm feelings about touching the lives of others.
MetroGypsy
"Certainly everyone came away with warm feelings about touching the lives of others"
Indeed it seems so :-)
Great work guys!



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