Florence invites students, residents to spread cheer through holiday card contest

The city of Florence is inviting elementary and middle school students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and community members who wish to spread holiday cheer, to participate in the Florence holiday card contest and card collection.  

This annual event offers community connection by delivering handmade holiday cards to senior living homes throughout Florence. Florence Mayor Julie Aubuchon will deliver the cards, ensuring local seniors feel remembered and appreciated this holiday season.

Students may submit their original handmade cards for contest consideration from Nov. 3 through Nov. 17 at the Florence Government Center, Administration Department, 8100 Ewing Blvd. Cards received after Nov. 17 but before Dec. 12 will still be delivered to senior residents, though they will not be eligible for contest judging. 

Winning entries will be honored during the Florence tree lighting celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Florence Government Center. Prizes will be awarded in the following grade brackets: kindergarten through first, second through third, fourth through fifth, and sixth through eighth. One exceptional design will also receive the mayor’s choice award for best overall entry.

Cards should reflect a winter holiday theme, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, or general winter cheer, and promote positivity, kindness and joy. Submissions must be original, handmade designs approximately 5 x 7 or 8.5 x 5.5 in size. Students are encouraged to use paper, crayons, markers, pencils, and pens; glitter and loose decorations should be avoided. Each student’s card should include their full name and grade on the back, along with their teacher’s name, school and contact information for notification purposes.

Anyone in the community who wishes to participate, whether individuals, families, organizations, or classrooms, is welcome to create and submit cards for delivery to local seniors. Multiple cards may be bundled together with a rubber band or placed in a large envelope labeled with the school, group or organization name. Individual envelopes are not necessary, as this helps make distribution easier.

For additional information, visit the city’s website or call 859-647-8177.