Huge Gathering of Scrapbookers to Collect Cards for CardsForHeroes.org

Mesa, AZ, April 16, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Blank, handmade cards are being collected for the CardsForHeroes.org group during the Creating Keepsakes Scrapbooking Convention April 16-18 at the Mesa Convention Center.

This is CK Media’s 13th convention in Mesa and organizers anticipate thousands of crafters in attendance for a weekend of scrapbooking, card making, classes, and shopping.

These cards will be given to soldiers stationed throughout the world to allow them to easily keep in touch with loved ones, whether it’s just to say hello or to send a special birthday wish. There are few limits as to the types of cards needed and accepted by CardsForHeroes.org, but many happy returns from those that receive these heartfelt cards. CardsForHeroes.org has sent over 100,000 cards to those deployed and have heard praise for their efforts and requests for additional cards.

Blank, handmade cards will all be accepted in the Mesa Convention Center lobby during the Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention, April 16-18. For more detailed information, please visit http://www.scrapandpapercorner.com/events/ckc/mesa/charities.html.

CK Media
CK Media consists of a diverse mix of traditional magazine publishing, online, and digital media, multiple consumer and trade events, merchandising as well as domestic and international product licensing. CK Media's foundation is built on ten leading consumer magazine titles with a combined circulation of 1.2 million. CK Media's consumer magazines are household names and market leaders providing content and community resources for scrapbooking, paper crafting, quilting, and sewing. The publications are Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Paper Crafts, Quilter's Newsletter, McCall's Quilting, Quiltmaker, McCall's Quick Quilts, Quilter's Home, Sew News and Creative Machine Embroidery. For more information, please visit http://www.ckmedia.com/

CardsForHeroes.org
Small beginnings
This project began by surprise in the spring of 2007; crafters had online discussions on the Two Peas in a Bucket Stamping Message Board about what to do with all the creations we had in our homes for which we couldn't find enough occasions to use ourselves. It so happened that one member of the community was, at the time, stationed in Iraq, and we began sending her cards. Another member provided contact information in Afghanistan, then another in Korea . . . then searching Any Soldier produced unlimited contacts for sending batches of cards.

The discussion thread as well as our personal blog posts began generating more and more interest, and thousands of cards were being mailed out regularly by our shippers.

Growing
In November of 2007, this project became more official with a website, in an effort to consolidate the information and provide an easy way for people to get involved. More and more card makers were finding out about the project, and appreciated the regular updates and reporting done through the website. A print shop donated the printing of our brochure, and those began to get mailed out. Blog challenges, promotional help by bloggers and company websites kept the enthusiasm spreading.

Reputation in the military
As more and more thousands of cards made it to the battlefields, CFH was added to a Chaplain training program for those transitioning into war zones. "They told me to contact you for cards," said one Chaplain. "I heard they're great for morale!" Requests for cards continue to come in, and it's an honor to meet those requests with such incredible cards.

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