Holiday Card Purchases Benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — If you’re looking for another way to give this holiday season, consider purchasing cards from the Baystate Health Foundation holiday collection, and spread cheer while making a difference for the patients and families at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

The collection features a variety of wintery and holiday scenes and artwork from children, including a card created by Baystate Children’s Hospital patient Emilia “Mimi” LaPierre. Printed on recycled paper, LaPierre’s colorful card brings cheer to a holiday landscape featuring a red cardinal in a tree with snowflakes falling in the background.

“Art is my favorite subject in school, and I was excited when asked to draw a card, because I knew it would bring money to the hospital which took care of me. I drew a similar scene in art class, and I think it looks very good as a card,” said LaPierre.

The Chicopee youngster was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August 2009 and was in treatment until November 2011. She is now in remission. LaPierre is one of the hospital’s Miracle Kids, whose photo was made into a life-sized cut-out that was placed at various locations throughout Western Mass. to bring attention to Baystate Children’s Hospital and to encourage donations.

The cards — which can be customized online with different verses and personalization — are produced by Good Cause Greetings, a Springfield-based manufacturer of custom charity cards supporting nonprofit organizations worldwide. In addition to the individual holiday designs, a Baystate holiday assortment is available. Thirty percent of all sales benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital through the Baystate Health Foundation. To order, visit baystatecards.com or call (877) 543-1515.