Rowan Public Library

SALISBURY — Every year, Rowan Public Library collects “Cards for a Cause” — holiday cards that are delivered to active service members and veterans of the armed forces. For the second year in a row, the campaign has collected more than a thousand cards.

“Our final count on the cards was 1, 448,” said Tammie Foster, East Branch children’s associate.

Foster has helped with the Cards for a Cause program since its inception in 2015 and has coordinated the program since 2017.

It’s a responsibility that she takes seriously. Foster works on the program year-round, gathering supplies and making contacts. This time, Cards for a Cause began in October and ran for 10 weeks. Foster anticipates a similar timeline for 2019.

Patrons are able to create cards on-site at any library branch or they can bring outside cards to the library for delivery. Cards are delivered to veterans at the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center or to active members serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard.

There is an early deadline for those who want to ensure international delivery, with later deadlines allowing for stateside and Hefner medical center deliveries.

Foster sees a lot of good will coming out of the program.

“I am very thankful that I live in a community that will rally around our military members and veterans to extend our appreciation and holiday greetings,” she said.

Throughout the season, library staff routinely sort the cards and arrange delivery to recruiting offices; the offices then forward the cards to service members. For example, the Coast Guard Recruiting Office in Greensboro sent the cards fit received to members going through boot camp last year.

“It is a wonderful reminder during a difficult time as to why they’re serving, and the cards light a fire in their hearts to continue on,” said Senior Chief Yeoman Gerald Carman of the Coast Guard Recruiting Office.

“We really never know how our cards may have brightened someone’s day,” Foster said. “They may have been the only cards some service members or veterans may have received.”

“It’s wonderful that so many citizens of Rowan County show their appreciation and extend their holiday greetings to those who have served in our U.S. military,” said Leslie Eason, voluntary service chief at the Hefner medical center.

Community efforts ensure the success of Cards for a Cause. Foster cited many organizations that contributed multiple cards this year, including Rowan County 4-H, Piedmont Baptist Church, Shiloh First Reformed Children’s Church, Rockwell Christian School, Grace Academy, Millbridge Elementary School and the Salisbury Therapeutic Rec Club.

“I’m so thankful for everyone who takes the time to fill out cards for our veterans and military members,” she said.

Foster is already preparing for the 2019 program. Donations of unused holiday cards and envelopes are welcome. Supplies can be dropped off at any library location; indicate that they are intended for Cards for a Cause.

The goal for 2019’s program?

“I’d love to have 2,000 cards to deliver,” Foster said.

Anyone interested in helping with the program should call 704-216-7842 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.