Artists With Disabilities Selling Handcrafted Holiday Cards

ORLAND PARK, IL — A talented bunch of artists with intellectual or developmental disabilities are selling their handmade holiday cards, with a large portion of the proceeds going back into their pockets.

Artists spent a week creating the cards, said Susan Barnes, director of development for the organization Community Services Foundation, and will receive 75 percent of the proceeds from sales. The remainder will go toward covering the cost of production. The cards can be ordered online.

"They were inspired by the theme of the holidays throughout Tinley Park," Barnes told Patch. "They were involved in the Tinley Park Trim-a-Tree last year. They loved it!"

The holiday card sale is organized by Community Services Foundation, an agency that works to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Based in Orland Park, the foundation was started in 1989, and currently serves about 620 people, said Susan Barnes, director of development for the organization.

CSF works alongside CTF Illinois to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"It began as a staff of one and now has over 15 staff members," Barnes said. "Our staff supports CTF Illinois through property management systems as well as through fundraising efforts. All funds raised through special events, campaigns, private donations, and grant writing go directly to the individuals supported at CTF Illinois."