Q: Are you a non-profit?

A: Cards of Compassion is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Our Standard of Practice is that we are a volunteer-driven, community-supported, non-profit organization. All people involved, including our Board of Directors, are volunteers and do not get paid or reimbursed for their time. All profits and gifted monies go directly towards our operating expenses. We practice transparency and our accounting reports are available upon request. Donations given to Cards of Compassion are tax deductible, and you will receive either a mailed document or an email with your statement.

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Q: How often can I send cards?

A: As often as you want. We accept recipients year-round and use the cards we collect from you to send their way in their Bundle. Christmas cards are accepted year-round. Cards of Compassion reserves the right to limit the number of Virtual Cards sent by one person.

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Q: Can I send cards together in one envelope?

A: Absolutely! Simply mark the envelope "Cards of Compassion"

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Q: Can we write "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" on holiday cards?

A: Yes. If a recipient celebrates a specific holiday they will receive cards that are specifically suited to their situation. We also recommend sending a few cards that simply say "Happy Holidays" or have a winter seasonal theme.

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Q: Where do I mail the cards?

A: Cards of Compassion, 102 West Main Street, #1006, New Albany, OH 43054

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Q: Should I sign my name on the card?

A: Yes, please sign your first name on the card. We discourage giving out personal information such as your last name, email addresses, or telephone numbers.

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Q: Should I include a return address?

A: Cards of Compassion encourages our volunteers to stay safe. When we receive individual cards with a volunteer's return address, we swap out the envelope for a blank one before passing it along. This protects our volunteers. It also relieves the recipients from the burden of replying and sending thank you cards back. 

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Q: What information do you need if I nominate someone to receive cards?

A: To help Cards of Compassion to send meaningful cards to your recipient, we recommend that we have a short biography describing the recipient and their current situation. Religious preferences are also helpful. No personal information, such as the recipient's name, address, email address, or telephone number is posted on the website or given to anyone, including the volunteers.

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Q: Why doesn't COC announce who is receiving cards?

A: It is extremely important for Cards of Compassion to protect the identities and safety of our receivers. During their most vulnerable times, we do not want to let any opportunities for scammers and unhealthy interactions to occur. In today's digital era, it is easy for a person to gather information with as little information as a name, or photo. It is our responsibility to bring care and kindness as responsibly as possible. If you would like to see who has been impacted by your kindness, we announce thank yous in our newsletter as we receive them.

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Q: How does COC protect my personal information?

A: Cards of Compassion respects the privacy of its volunteers and recipients and recognizes the importance of safeguarding personal information. Contact and personal information are collected solely to support our mission and to provide the best service possible. Cards of Compassion does not sell or rent the personal information of those who have provided such information through subscriptions, donations, professional dealings,  partnerships, and other means. Cards of Compassion may share statistical and other non-personal information, such as the number of recipients or volunteers, for informational and marketing purposes.

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Q: Does COC monitor a card's content?

A: Cards of Compassion takes our mission very seriously and prepares packages that are kind-hearted and encouraging to our recipients. Because of this, we do not allow any spam or solicitation in the cards. COC is not an outlet for other organizations to advertise their services. Cards received that solicit a business will be discarded.

We also reserve the right to discard cards with inappropriate messages that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all volunteers, recipients, and staff.