Cards Help Good Causes

Shoppers looking for Christmas cards can purchase ones that will help Costa Rican children in need thanks to the annual efforts of two organizations.

The United Nations Ladies’ Association (ADNU) and the Volunteer Ladies’Committee of the Escazú Social Welfare Association are once again offering Christmas cards to help raise funds for organizations that help children.

With the ADNU, the international campaign organized by UNICEF 31 years ago is still going strong. Featuring holiday-themed art or works by international painters, the cards raise money for several beneficiary organizations.

The association estimates that more than 300 children receive direct help from sale proceeds.

Donations help in a myriad of ways.

For example, when thieves broke into one of the agencies with which the ADNU works, the association helped replace stolen items, said Ursula Kurz, a volunteer.

This year, along with the cards, a larger selection of toys will be available for purchase, along with candles and calendars.

Cards cost ¢650-700 ($1.25-1.35) per card, and are available at Jiménez and Tanzi in front of Atlantis Plaza in the western San José suburb of Escazú, and at Librería Internacional outlets in Multiplaza Escazú and Curridabat, east of the capital. Bulk purchases are available. For information, call 289-5303 or e-mail adnutarjetas@hotmail.com.

The Volunteer Ladies’ Committee also offers cards featuring art donated by Costa Rican artists. Personalized cards are available, as are regular and desk calendars. This year’s calendar features works of art by Tico artists only, and is intended to capture Costa Rican life.

Cards cost ¢400-500 ($0.80-1) each, and are available at the committee’s office in front of the Red Cross in Escazú and at Jiménez and Tanzi stores. Proceeds go toward scholarships that help pay for a child’s full school year by providing materials and uniforms. The organization also runs a children’s park and a tutoring center where kids receive free sessions. For information, call 228-0279 or e-mail cguerra@racsa.co.cr or anabellera@hotmail.com.