The Michigan Humane Society.

By Jennifer Sakey
C & G Staff Writer

Getting ready to send greeting cards for the holidays?

Several local organizations are offering festive cards that will not only give good tidings to their recipients, but also help support an array of good causes. Here’s a look at a few of them.

Children’s Hospital of Michigan
The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Auxiliary is selling packs of 20 greeting cards for $20. The cards feature an open-armed child in the snow and include the message “Capture the Joy this Holiday Season.”

The auxiliary, which was founded in 1949, raises funds for the hospital’s various departments and programs.

“The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Auxiliary has a longstanding history of helping the young patients and their families at the hospital. We take great pride in having supported the hospital for nearly 60 years,” said Fran Eldis, auxiliary president.

The cards are available online at www.childrensdmc.org/giftshop or at the hospital’s Something Special Gift Shop, 3901 Beaubien, in Detroit.

For more information, contact the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Auxiliary at (313) 745-0962.

Michigan Humane Society
Animal lovers can help support the Michigan Humane Society’s efforts by purchasing this year’s MHS holiday cards, which feature an illustration of a dog and cat who get a new home.

“The MHS holiday cards are perfect for anyone who wants to support animals that are still looking for a permanent, loving home this holiday season,” said MHS spokesperson Jennifer Robertson. “In addition to featuring a warm and uplifting design, proceeds from the cards will directly benefit the mission of the Michigan Humane Society and the more than 100,000 animals we care for each year.”

The cards cost $12.95 for a box of 15, and can be purchased online at www.shopmichiganhumane.org or by calling the MHS Shop Line at (800) 866-9189.

HAVEN
Proceeds from cards purchased from HAVEN, an Oakland County organization that works to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault, will help the group fund its services during the holiday season. HAVEN programs include counseling and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

HAVEN’s 2009 cards, which feature pictures of snowmen and decorated trees, were designed by children staying in the organization’s emergency shelter program. The cards come in 10 packs for $10 and 50 packs for $50.

Cards can be purchased online at www.haven.myshopify.com or by calling (248) 334-1284, ext. 346.

Holiday Meals on Wheels
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B teamed up with senior artist Lillian Mitchell of Bloomfield Hills to offer cards that will benefit the agency’s Holiday Meals on Wheels program.

Mitchell has battled osteoarthritis, which affects the joints in her hands, for more than a decade, yet continues to paint and draw. When asked to design the cards, Mitchell said she was “absolutely honored” to help other seniors in need.

“Lillian is an incredible artist, and everyone at our agency was extremely touched when she agreed to share her time and talent for our holiday card program despite the obvious obstacle her arthritis presents,” said Tina Abbate-Marzolf, Area Agency on Aging 1-B chief executive officer.

The cards cost $12 for a pack of 10, and cards can be ordered directly through the Area Agency on Aging 1-B by calling (800) 852-7795. They’re also available at three senior centers: the Costick Center in Farmington Hills, the Clinton Township Senior Center and the Bloomfield Township Senior Center.

Beaumont Hospital
Beaumont Hospital’s Integrative Medicine program will offer greeting cards picturing an angel holding a candle, created by Clarkston artist Jan Mayer, a 17-year cancer survivor, for sale in packs of 10 for $15. Proceeds from the cards will benefit programs for Beaumont cancer patients.

To order cards, visit the Integrative Medicine program at Beaumont Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile in Royal Oak; the cashier’s office in Suite 304 of the Beaumont Cancer Center at Beaumont Hospital, 44201 Dequindre in Troy; or the Beaumont Medical Center at 44250 Dequindre in Sterling Heights. For more information, call (248) 964-9200 or (248) 551-9990.

Crossroads of Michigan
Colorful cards designed by kids are available through Crossroads of Michigan, a Detroit-based organization whose services include the Crossroads Sunday Soup Kitchen, the Mothers and Children Health Initiative, and the Crossroads Employment Office and Job Club.

Crossroads held a coloring contest in July at its soup kitchen, and the top four drawings were selected to be featured on the cards.  Sets of 20 cards — five of each design — are available for  $15, plus shipping and handling.  To order a set or for more information, call Dawn Bunkley at (313) 831-2787. 

You can reach Staff Writer Jennifer Sakey at jsakey@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1052.