SALISBURY — Rowan Public Library’s Cards for a Cause campaign collected more than 1,300 cards to be delivered to military service members and veterans this year.

The total well exceeds the library’s goal of 1,000 cards. Each library branch — Headquarters (Salisbury), East (Rockwell), and South Rowan Regional (China Grove) — had stations set up for card-making and delivery, and all ages were invited to participate.

Patrons, staff members and community groups including churches and arts groups contributed. Schools including China Grove’s Millbridge Elementary and China Grove Elementary also participated.

“It means a lot to them at the recruiting offices and in the military that this area — this community — is so supportive,” said Tammie Foster, East Branch children’s library associate and the Cards for a Cause coordinator.

The campaign means a lot to many family and friends of service members, Foster said. She remembers one East branch patron who made a card while visiting the library.

“She had a family member serving overseas and told us that it made her feel good to participate in the program,” Foster said.

The response warms the hearts of staff members, too, she said.

“It makes me feel good seeing our patrons come in and create a card helping those who can’t be home for the holidays,” said Foster.

“I have been so moved by the way our community has jumped at the opportunity to spread joy and holiday cheer to service members and veterans,” added Emma Rose, East Branch supervisor.

Cards for a Cause began in 2015 at the suggestion of East Branch page Holly Shue. Shue’s parents are Navy veterans, and she wanted to do something for those serving away from home. That first year, about 230 cards were collected for Air Force members. In 2016, more than 800 cards were delivered to Air Force members serving both stateside and internationally, with cards going as far away as Afghanistan.

Cards were also submitted for veterans, so this year, Cards for a Cause expanded to add the W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salisbury as a delivery designation.

Cards for a Cause will return next fall.

“It’s heartening to see the community response increasing,” said Laurie Lyda, South Rowan Regional library supervisor. “I’d love to see us collect even more cards in 2018.”

For more information about Cards for a Cause or other library programs, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or any branch library.