Did you know March is National Craft Month?
This March, get crafty while also helping our community! Valley of the Sun United Way has several fun volunteer opportunities for adults and kids to do at home. Together, you can create items that will bring comfort and joy to those in need.
Here are some options:
Encouragement Cards
Create uplifting cards for Pantry Packs. Valley of the Sun United Way creates Pantry Packs to send home with students who may not have access to food on the weekends. In addition to a variety of shelf-stable food items, Pantry Packs also include an encouragement card, a small note to inspire big change in a child’s confidence. The cards are the size of an index card. They should include positive phrases like, “Keep it Up” and “You Rock!” Get Creative. These can be as colorful as you want, just stay away from glitter!
What you need:
- Cardstock, Paper or Index Cards
- Markers, Crayons or Colored pencils
- Optional: Stickers
Cards can be mailed to Valley of the Sun United Way: 3200 East Camelback Rd. Suite 375, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Learn more about Encouragement Cards.
Encouragement Bookmarks
Help make reading fun for Valley students by making bookmarks! Gather up some cardstock, markers and any other fun crafting materials. You can add words of encouragement, quotes about reading and other decorations.
What you need:
- Cardstock
- Markers, Crayons or Colored pencils
- Optional: Stickers, Ribbon, String
Bookmarks can be mailed to Valley of the Sun United Way: 3200 East Camelback Rd. Suite 375, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Learn more about Encouragement Bookmarks.
Book-In-A-Bag
Our Book-In-A-Bag project brings literacy front and center! You can bring a book to life by decorating a paper bag. The bags will be filled with a book, reading tips for parents and more. You can decorate the bag with inspirational sayings, pictures and book characters!
What you need:
- Brown Paper Bags
- Markers, Crayons or Colored pencils
- Optional: Stickers
Bags can be mailed to Valley of the Sun United Way: 3200 East Camelback Rd. Suite 375, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Learn more about Book-In-A-Bag.
Affirmation Cards for Free Arts
Free Arts is a funded partner of Valley of the Sun United Way. The cards serve as a basis for reflection and positive thinking for the children in the program. The cards are the size of an index card. You can write affirming words, positive phrase or inspiration quotes.
What you need:
- Cardstock, Paper or Index Cards
- Markers, Crayons or Colored pencils
- Optional: Stickers
Cards can be mailed to Free Arts: 352 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85012
Fun Fact:
National Craft Month was created by a nonprofit called the Craft and Hobby Association in 1994. The organizers wanted to inspire both experienced and beginner crafters to express themselves through art.
Valley of the Sun United Way is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive community for everyone. Our Mighty Change 5-year plan ensures all residents in Maricopa County have the support they need to lead healthy, happy lives. Read more about our goals.
