RCMA 2007 CHRISTMAS CARDS – A NEW ERA

The Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) has finished choosing its Christmas card designs and is busily putting the final touches on the latest offerings for the annual project. Now in its ninth year, the project continues to grow with each holiday season.

Drawn by children of farm workers and rural, low-income families, the cards are popular with Florida agribusiness companies and individuals who want to help RCMA in its mission to keep children in a safe and caring learning environment while their parents work in fields and packinghouses. During the past eight years, the Christmas card project has raised $83,517 for RCMA centers and schools, which provide quality child care and early education for more than 7,000 children in more than 70 centers and programs throughout Florida.

Thanks to the Internet, this year card buyers will have a whole new set of options at their fingertips when ordering. Customers still will be able to order by phone or use the traditional order form printed in the annual brochure. But this year, a new Web site will offer more options than ever.

“People will be able to order online and see an actual proof of their card,” said Sonia Tighe, the project’s manager. “And this year we’re excited to offer photo cards where buyers can choose from several borders drawn by a child, and then upload their photo for a wonderful custom card.”

Former FFVA General Manager George Sorn serves on the RCMA Christmas card project steering committee.

RCMA’s Christmas card volunteer committee chose the 2007 selections from dozens of cheerful and touching drawings submitted by children in RCMA centers statewide. In addition to the Christmas cards, holiday stationery and year-round note cards also are available.

The general designs and photo cards are available for individual purchases. The one-of-a-kind designs are reserved every year for exclusive orders, which require a minimum purchase of 100 cards. (Any FFVA member interested in a commodity-specific or otherwise specialized design should contact Tighe at 813-975-8377.)

The project began in 1998 at the suggestion and under the direction of Oviedo-based DUDA. Every year since then, the company has donated countless hours and expertise in organizing the fundraiser and contributing financially to its success. 

RCMA also relies on “Print Angels” – donors who contribute $500 each to help offset printing costs. “We’re hoping to have 20 Print Angels to cover those costs,” said Tighe. “Then we’ll be able to receive matching funds of $16 for every $1 spent on the cards.” RCMA reproduces all Print Angels’ logos on the back of the general cards as well as on promotional materials. “We’ve had a good response from growers and industry associations in supporting that program,” said Tighe, adding that she would be very happy to talk with anyone who is interested in becoming a Print Angel. The deadline has been extended but will end soon.

RCMA’s annual brochure featuring this year’s designs is being printed and mailed. If you would like to receive one, call Judy Brill at RCMA’s state headquarters in Immokalee at (800) 282-6540. All FFVA Producer members should receive it with an upcoming issue of the Rap-Up newsletter.

The deadline to order cards is Nov. 1 to ensure delivery by Dec. 1. The Web site is still being developed, but it is expected to go live by the end of the summer. Make a note to check RCMA’s general Web site at www.rcma.org for a link and updated information about this very worthwhile project.