As we approach Valentine’s Day, the Crown Dental team is encouraging all patients to show some love for the Cards for Hospitalized Kids initiative. This philanthropic program, founded by Jen Rubino, herself a former “hospitalized kid,” distributes cards to kids recuperating in hospitals around the country. 

Whether from major illness, surgery, or injury, these kids could all use some cheering up and the Crown Dental team is committed to creating as many smiles as possible.  

Sending Smiles: The Message Behind Cards for Hospitalized Kids

As Rubino says of her inspiration to found Cards for Hospitalized Kids, “I was in ICU going through a really hard time and was in a lot of pain after the surgery. I was not doing too well. Then, I received a card from a hospital volunteer. It meant so much to me.”

We invite all our patients, of all ages, to create a card in our lobby — either before or after your appointment. Need something for your kids to do as you struggle through the next snow day? (you know it’s coming!) You can always drop off a card or mail it to our office and we will add it to our shipment. 

Here is everything you need to know: 

The deadline to create a card in our office, drop one off or mail one to Crown Dental is Friday, March 6. We will collect and mail all cards together in one shipment, with enough time for the Cards for Hospitalized Kids organization to distribute them to hospitals they’ve partnered with, like St. Jude, in time for the official start of the spring season, March 19. 

When creating a card, please adhere to Cards for Hospitalized Kids guidelines, which have been created in partnership with participating hospitals: 

Please Do

• Address the recipient in a general way: Hi there!
• Include an uplifting, positive message like “Stay strong!” or “Be brave!” 
• Be creative and include as much color and detail on your card as you would like.
• Sign your first name and feel free to include your town or state, ie., Nancy in Nashua

Please Do Not

• Send wishes like “Get Well Soon.” Please keep the focus on the person behind the patient; in other words, don’t use language that references disease or illness.
• Add your last name or any other personal identifying information like your address, phone number, email, etc.
• Write religious greetings such as “God bless” or “praying for you” as the hospital cares for patients of all religions, and will not distribute cards with these messages.

That’s it! 

We hope you’ll join us in our messaging mission! Whether you create your card in our office or from the comfort of your own home, please snap a pic or selfie and share on social media, tagging #CrownDental with #RoyalCardDelivery. 

From all of us, thank you, for celebrating Cards for Hospitalized Kids in time for spring!