Recycle Your Holiday Cards

After the holidays are over and your Christmas cards have conveyed their message, two charitable organizations can benefit by reusing them.

The Santa Rosa (California) chapter of Friends Outside, a volunteer group serving prisoners and their families, turns used cards into new ones and gives them to Sonoma County prison inmates so they may correspond with friends and family.

Friends Outside also sells some of the new cards to help finance their weekly craft program for women inmates. The group reuses about 150 cards a week.

At St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada, a non-profit residence for abused and troubled children, kids ages 6 to 18 earn extra money by revamping used cards and selling them in the facility’s gift shop. Proceeds from the card sales help fund a variety of activities and excursions.

All year round, send the fronts of your Christmas cards to: Friends Outside, P.O. Box 3905, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 or St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s Street, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Help for split-families: The holidays can be difficult for families of single, separated or divorced parents. The Association of Separated American Parents offers support this holiday season and throughout the year.

ASAP helps split-families who face legal, financial and emotional hardships by providing educational programs, advocacy and network support services.

To receive its newsletter, professional assistance or information, call (800) 666-3200.

Quality videos: A new catalog, “Award-Winning Videos,” contains 29 live-action children’s educational videos which promote learning and enhance children’s self-esteem.

Children will be fascinated with any one in this diverse collection, from “You Can Ride A Horse” to “How A Car Is Built.” The 30-minute videos cost $14.95 to $19.95. To order the free catalog, call (800) 477-7811 or write to: Big Kids Productions, 3109 North IH-35, Austin, TX 78722.

Holiday safety: Christmas decorations may be hazardous when combined with the curiosity and excitement of youngsters.

The National Safe Kids Campaign and the American Academy of Pediatrics wishes to alert parents to these common holiday dangers:

Eating holly or mistletoe berries can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; poinsettia petals may cause mouth irritation; and artificial snow and sprays may contain methylene chloride, which can irritate lungs, nose and eyes. Keep them out of children’s reach.

Bright, flickering flames fascinate children. Make sure lit candles have adult supervision and are placed away from little hands.

Fallen tree needles can irritate a baby’s throat, so frequent vacuuming is recommended.

Electrical cords should be in good condition and replaced if frayed.

Homes you visit during the holidays may not be child-proofed; take a quick survey before you let the kids loose, then relax and enjoy a safe holiday.

MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.