Say hello,
by hand.
We bring people together to make heartfelt cards for isolated seniors in care, turning a few minutes of creativity into something a stranger holds for weeks.
In care facilities across the country, the majority of residents
go months without receiving so much as a postcard.
Not because no one cares, because no one knew how easy it was
to show up.
10,000 cards.
One handwritten message at a time.
Last year, more than 5,500 heartfelt cards were made by community members who wanted to send a hello by hand to a senior they'll never meet. This year the goal is nearly double. And we update this counter every Friday.
Bring nothing.
Leave with a friend.
Every month we take over coffee shops, bars, libraries, and community rooms with tables full of paper, ink, and prompts. Drop in for ten minutes or stay the whole afternoon. It's free, and the supplies are on us.
What it looks like
when strangers show up for one another.
Documentary photographs from our cardmaking sessions across offices, community centers, and libraries.
Why people keep
coming back to the table.
Cardmakers and residents, in their own words, recorded at popups and on delivery days.
A simple card can do exactly that, let them know they are valuable.
A simple card can do exactly that, let them know they are valuable. — Miranda, Volunteer · ATX Book Swap
The things people ask us first.
More questions are answered on the how it works page. Or just write to us at hbh@artlyworld.org. We read everything.
No, truly! The most cherished cards are the simple ones. A short paragraph in steady handwriting, a stenciled flower design, a song lyric. Anyone can make a card, even people who haven't picked up a marker since middle school.
Residents of partnered nursing homes, memory care units, and long-term care facilities, many of whom rarely receive any mail. Recipients are coordinated with activities directors so cards reach the people who need them most.
For individuals and chapter groups who want to host their own popups, the only cost is supplies. Provide your own, contact us for a sponsored supply kit (availability depends on supply), or purchase one of our cardmaking kits with everything you'll need to host a seamless cardmaking session. For larger corporate events, we charge a supplies and logistics fee with sponsorship options that cover delivery routes.
Yes , mail to our Austin P.O. Box (in the footer). We open, lightly check, and route everything within 14 days.
Help us deliver more joy by hand.
We send every dollar straight into the loop: paper, postage, gas to the next facility. Nothing for ad spend, nothing for branded swag.
- What a gift becomes
- $25One popup's worth of paper, ink, and envelopes, about 30 cards.
- $75One delivery route. Fuel, sealing supplies, and a half-day of volunteer time.Most chosen
- $150An entire chapter starter kit, everything an ambassador needs to host their first event.
- $500A sponsored facility, a year of monthly card deliveries to one care home.
HBH is an initiative by Artly World, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving communities in Austin for over 14 years.