christmas-cards - tendringpenpals

Christmas Cards

Christmas cards have been the go-to format to send festive wishes since Sir Henry Cole introduced the first commercial card in 1843. Today, around 8 billion cards are exchanged worldwide every year.

While many of us enjoy receiving Christmas cards, there are countless people across the country who have no one to send them one.

That’s why, each year leading up to Christmas, Tendring Pen Pals runs two special projects to bring festive cheer into the homes of our elderly community.

Fun Fact:

The first Christmas card, designed by artist John Callcott Horsley, depicted a joyful family celebration with the message “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.”

Christmas Cards to Care Homes

Each Christmas, we work with primary schools across the country. Students design and create hundreds of handmade Christmas cards, featuring festive themes such as Christmas trees, snowmen, presents, and more.

The cards also contain some truly beautiful, caring and heart-warming messages that the students have thought about and written.

Tendring Pen Pals gathers these cards and distributes them to care homes in the vicinity of the schools. The cards not only brighten the rooms of the residents but also convey a message of companionship and care, reminding seniors that they are not forgotten.

Teachers use this project as an opportunity to teach their classes about the importance of the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on the importance of caring for those who are lonely and isolated.

We are extremely grateful to each child who designs a Christmas Card. Every participating child will receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution, which will be presented at their school at the beginning of the term in January.

Christmas Cards For Seniors

We’re gathering cards for isolated seniors - join us in making a difference!

Many of us know of senior neighbours or community members who spend Christmas alone.

We invite everyone to write a few extra Christmas cards. These cards are then paired with isolated individuals in the community through collaboration with external charities and organizations that help us to identify those in need.

Age UK’s research found that 1.3 million older people will feel lonely this Christmas and, when asked what makes it a difficult time, more than 4.2 million older people (a third) said Christmas brings up memories of a loved one who has passed away.

How do you send your cards to us?

• Option 1: Each Christmas, we provide a list of Post Boxes located in various local shops. Just drop your cards in one of these boxes; no stamp needed!

• Option 2: Mail your cards to us at: Cards for Seniors, PO BOX 364, WOODBRIDGE, IP12 9FY.

Looking to make an even bigger impact?

Consider donating a box of blank cards so that seniors can send their own heartfelt messages to friends, family, and loved ones. If possible, please also include a sheet of stamps to help them get started.

If you’re interested in participating in any of these projects, or if you have any questions, please reach out to us through our Contact page here or via email at contact@tendringpenpals.co.uk