Rowan Public Library Launches Holiday Card Campaign
As November ushers in cooler temperatures and the festive season, Rowan Public Library has announced the return of its cherished “Cards for a Cause” initiative for the 2026 holiday period. Now entering its 11th year, this campaign aims to spread holiday cheer to active-duty military personnel and veterans, running until Saturday, December 12.
Card Collection Details
During the campaign, the library will gather holiday cards to send to U.S. Armed Forces members. All four branches of Rowan Public Library—headquarters in Salisbury, RPL East in Rockwell, RPL South in China Grove, and RPL West in Cleveland—are equipped with stations stocked with blank cards and decorating materials for patrons to craft their messages.
Completed cards can be returned at any service desk within the library branches, placed in book drops, or submitted via curbside drop-off. To ensure the cards remain secure, those using book drops should bundle them with a rubber band or place them in a grocery bag.
Submission Deadlines for Cards
The campaign features specific submission deadlines depending on the intended delivery destination:
- November 6: Cards for Veterans Day
- November 16: Cards for active-duty service members stationed overseas
- December 4: Cards for active-duty service members within the United States
Any cards submitted after December 4 will be directed to the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and other local organizations that assist veterans.
Encouraging Community Participation
Rowan Public Library invites individuals, families, businesses, schools, and community groups to participate in the campaign. Kim Dinkins, the Children’s Services Associate and coordinator for “Cards for a Cause,” noted, “Community organizations and schools have even created their own original cards to contribute.” She emphasized that this initiative is a meaningful and enjoyable way for the community to give back during the holiday season.
All types of cards are welcome, whether they are store-bought, handmade, or self-printed. The stations at the library will provide a variety of decorating supplies for participants. Dinkins advises that cards should include brief messages of appreciation or holiday greetings, but for privacy reasons, should not contain personal information such as full names or addresses.
Previous Campaign Success
Last year, the “Cards for a Cause” campaign successfully collected over 9,600 cards for military personnel and veterans. The initiative started in 2015 with a modest collection of approximately 300 cards, and this year, the library aims to gather 10,000 cards to distribute during the holiday season.
About Rowan Public Library
Rowan Public Library is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning, discovery, and community engagement. The library serves the residents of Rowan County through its four branches and a digital platform accessible around the clock. It promotes exploration, the joy of reading, and continuous education through various resources, programs, and welcoming spaces. By connecting the community with information and opportunities, Rowan Public Library aims to support a knowledgeable and vibrant Rowan County.
Source: Rowan County Government
