Collecting Christmas Cards For St Jude’s Ranch

By Eliza Hallabeck

After her mother saw an announcement in a newspaper about St Jude’s Ranch, seventh grade Newtown Middle School student Charlotte Gray said she wanted to help.

Charlotte said the next step was calling her neighbor, who suggested Charlotte should write up an e-mail. Word spread through electronic notification, and now Charlotte and her mother, Dawn Gray, have placed drop boxes around town to collect used Christmas cards to be donated to St Jude’s Ranch, which rescues abused and neglected children and provides a safe environment for the children.

“We have a large collection already starting,” said Ms Gray.

Charlotte, a Cadette Girl Scout, said she has participated in Girl Scout events before, but said she has never done something like this.

“I just kind of ask anyone really who could help,” said Charlotte.

 So far drop boxes have been placed at C.H. Booth Library, Caraluzzi’s, and Super Stop & Shop. Charlotte said cards can also be sent to her home at 11 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook.

The cards will be reused by cutting off the back portion of the cards, which typically have writing on them. Children at St. Jude’s Ranch will then resell the cards and raise money. This helps the children learn money skills, according to Charlotte.

“Everyone seems to want to help if they can,” said Charlotte.

Ms Gray said the Christmas card collection for St Jude’s Ranch started when children at the Ranch could not afford to buy Christmas presents for loved ones.

Charlotte added that the program encourages the children to learn skills that will support them in the future.

“They are trying to break the cycle of welfare,” said Ms Gray.

“Now they will be able to support themselves in the future,” said Charlotte.

Charlotte said she also likes the concept of reusing Christmas cards because it is one way to “go green,” by limiting the number of cards that are thrown out and purchased.

Ms Gray said Charlotte supports recycling and trying to be green.

“I think we should [recycle],” said Charlotte, “because we only have one world.”

Helping the cause of St Jude’s Ranch, Charlotte said, make her happy to be helping out.

“I’m always proud of Charlotte,” Ms Gray said. “She always makes an effort to try and help someone else.”