Encouraging Sorts

July 28, 2026

Some of our young people recently helped spread encouragement and kindness to others during a visit from Cardz For Kidz, a Chicago-based nonprofit that mobilizes volunteers to create and deliver handmade greeting cards to people facing difficult circumstances. Through its work, the organization brings hope and connection to hospital patients, seniors in assisted-living facilities, individuals in rehabilitation centers, veterans, children, and families around the world.

During the visit, our young people helped sort and prepare cards for delivery and created cards of their own to be sent to someone in need of a supportive message.

During the visit, our young people helped sort and prepare cards for delivery and created cards of their own to be sent to someone in need of a supportive message.

Cardz For Kidz founder Ike Nwankwo shared the story behind the organization. His passion for serving patients began while volunteering at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Later, his own experience recovering from brain surgery gave him a firsthand understanding of the challenges and isolation that can accompany a hospital stay.

The idea for Cardz For Kidz began when Nwankwo asked young people from his church group to make handmade cards for patients at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. What started as a simple effort to brighten the days of pediatric patients has grown into an international charity that now reaches people in more than 60 countries, from Australia and Lithuania to India. The organization’s impact is made possible through thousands of volunteers worldwide and partnerships with groups ranging from the Girl Scouts to Google.

Although he has developed relationships with volunteers around the globe, Nwankwo said it had long been a dream to work with Mercy Home. A resident of Chicago’s Near West Side, he said he often passes by our Home and hoped to one day become involved in our mission.

Helping Nwankwo during Cardz for Kidz’ visit to Mercy Home was Operations Manager Jennifer Baker.

Mercy Home is grateful for partnerships who provide our young people with opportunities to serve. We actively encourage young people to participate in service projects as a way to build self-reliance, show gratitude, and develop leadership skills. Through these initiatives, youth positively impact their communities while contributing to their own growth and healing.  Our young people visit nursing homes, help out at food banks, write letters and Christmas cards to service members overseas, participate in neighborhood beautification projects, and more. Many of our young people have even traveled to other parts of the country to help build homes for families in need with Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing.