Good for you. I do a similar thing that you do. I volunteer at several local hospitals. I did the pediatrics units for some time but I decided to make a change and now perform only in the psych. units. Not only because that is the type of work I do but I also find psych units get very little in the way of magicians or others comming in. I am in the same boat as you going through cards but I found a local store that runs big sales on bikes (two packs for 2.50) Once a month or so. I have given out some nice cards to a few patients but for the most part, everyone seems happy with the bikes. Psych units are a great place to perform in as these patients really appreciate people taking the time to spend time with them. There is an added demension of difficulty due to privacy laws but each psych unit has a way of dealing with such issues. I do not usually like to talk about this as I have one of those "when you do a good thing do not let the right hand know what the lefthand is doing" but since you brought it up I figured what the hell. P.S. I am not plugging or asking anyone for any free decks, I just wanted to remind people that people in psych wards appreciate visits also.
A psych unit nurse actually asked me to help out and entertain there, but my program director forbade it. They've had issues with their psych patients in the past, and they're not too keen on exposing them to a performer whose specialty is altering one's sense of reality by doing things that aren't supposed to be possible...
For those who didn't know, my hospital name is New York Methodist Hospital, and I'm part of the Sparks of Life Program. I mentioned what I'm doing here to my program director and she was completely thrilled, especially since I am in no way required to give the kids anything when I perform for them.
She was so happy about the upcoming purchase that she's not only sending me a sales tax exemption form for tax-free purchases (usually used for schools and charitable organizations like this hospital), but she's also going to write a letter of support to Kardwell about the upcoming purchase, in the hopes that they may offer a discount, free decks or possibly both! This means any cash you donate will go further than originally planned!
So far, I've received some interest from individuals, actual donations of $35 and a commitment from Alex to send a few bricks of cards for the cause. I don't require you to send cards, since sending cash for the card purchase will probably go further, but if that's what you desire, I'd be the last person to stop you - I'll give you a mailing address for that purpose if you wish to do so.
Just to remind everyone:
If you send decks, I will sticky-label every deck you send with your name on it.
If you send cash, I will sticky-label one deck for every dollar you send.
When I open decks for the kids and perform, I'll tell them that you, my personal friend, gave me that deck in order to give to him or her, and that they wanted you to enjoy the cards and to feel better while they're recuperating. So a kid sitting in a hospital bed in Brooklyn will be thinking some very nice thoughts about that stranger, that friend of the magician, who wanted them to be happier and get well sooner. If you wish to donate using a handle or in the name of another person, let me know and I'll be happy to accommodate your requests.
Honestly, you would be amazed at some of the reactions I get from the kids when I do things like this for them. Their eyes light up, they're dumbfounded, they're thrilled - and most importantly, they're happy and have forgotten for at least a moment about their personal suffering. That right there is some very powerful medicine, and I want as many of you as can do so to share in that magical cure for sadness with me.
Yes, this is the part of the plea that a bump - DONATE! If all you can afford is a buck, I'll take it. If you can't afford a buck, then encouraging words are always welcome, as well as getting the word out to others who may be willing and able to donate.
Thanks again, everyone, for your time.
