Card Kit Creator Instructions

What should each Card Kit contain?

Click here to see a picture of everything in a KidsLink Card Kit and take a look at the detailed list below.

#1. 8 envelopes (to fit each card)

#2. 8 FOREVER stamps (or 8 $.44 stamps)

You can also include a 10-stamp booklet, but please make sure there are at least 8 first class stamps in the kit.

#3. zippered pencil pouch

This is for everything to fit in. Please use pencil pouches versus boxes or cases so that each child can receive the same type of card kit container. You can find these online at:

http://www.schoolsupplyprojectboards.com/catalogs/index.asp?category=310434

http://www.usschoolsupply.com/category/Pencil_Pouches?gclid=CJW_qa-Nn5wCFQMNDQoduzy2fA.

You can also find these at your local discount store or teacher/school supply store.

#4. 8 creative cards*

These cards can be handmade or bought from your local card store. Click on each one to see an example.

*NOTE: Please create or buy appropriate-sized cards to accommodate $.44 stamps. Often it is most helpful to find the envelopes you want to use first, and then create the cards based on the size of your envelopes.
**Also NOTE: Make both a Mother’s and Father’s Day card. The child can use which ever one is appropriate and also have a card for the parent who is still at home.

#5. 8 postcards (blank on one side) without stamps (military personnel and families are not required to include postage when mailing from an APO address)*

These are for kids to send along with their cards so mom or dad can write them back. Please see the link above (labeled “Click Here to see a picture of everything in a KidsLink Card Kit”) for an example. You can make your own postcards or use the template we have provided (to be printed on 8 1/2 by 11 card stock paper). The template can be printed from the “Instructions and Resources” page under the “KidsLink Card Kit PDF Instructions” tab.

*NOTE: The postcards must be: Rectangular, at least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long X 0.007 inch thick, and no more than 4-1/4 inches high X 6 inches long X 0.016 inch thick.

#6. Response card with return address and postcard stamp

This is a card you will receive back from whichever child gets your card kit (hopefully). It will contain some fun facts about the child and also some prayer requests from the child. Put your return address on the back. You can find instructions about the response card and download it for printing by clicking here.

#7. List of resources

This will provide the child receiving your kit with resources available to him or her on or near base. These resources include Cadence International/Military Children’s Ministry programs for the family and children.

This list of resources will be available for download and printing in December 2009 after military installation locations have been selected.

#8. Personal note from assembler

Please include a note from YOU, the assembler of the card kit! This way the recipient of the card kit can know a little about who made the kit for him or her. Here are a couple examples:

Hi! My name is Suzie Johnson. I am so excited for you to receive these cards. I am hoping you get to use them to send great messages to your deployed mom or dad! I know that they will be so happy to get a card from you because I am a mom and I get excited every time I get something from my kids. I will be praying for you and your family during this time!

Hello. My name is Jean Freeman. I attend First Christian Church in Loveland, Colorado and have 2 kids of my own. I wanted to create these cards for you so you could stay in touch with your deployed parent. I will pray that your parent is safe and pray for you to have a good year at school and with your friends. Have fun and feel free to send me the card that is in this box so I can continue to know more about you and pray for your family.

Where can I find card-creating materials?

You can either buy pre-made cards or create cards for your kit. If you would like to create your own cards, the following stores and websites will offer good ideas and materials:

• Hobby Lobby

• Michaels

• www.making-greeting-cards.com

• www.wittyliving.com/crafts/cardmaking/handmade-card-ideas-index.html

• www.greetingcardsresource.com

• www.studiodayspring.com: If you are interested in creating your own cards online, DaySpring (card company) offers this innovative online studio through which you can custom design cards. They are offering KidsLink groups a 15% discount! Use the coupon code KidsLink15 to receive your discount. A purchase of 25 cards or more gets free U.S. shipping.

Where should we send the Card Kits after my group is done?

The address to which you will send your card kits is determined depending upon your location. Please go to the Locations Page to find out where you kits should be sent and to find the appropriate Resource Card download. (For Example if you live in Ohio, you should find the color and installation that corresponds to your state.)

Send card kits in one package (box or other mail-safe container) to the address determined by your assigned installation. Please be mindful that if a kit does not include everything and is not complete it is possible that your kit will not be used.

You can help Kids Link to their Parents!