Apply for a card campaign for your child.

A parent or guardian fills out the application. We read every one ourselves and call the families we can serve.

Two sisters holding a handmade card and plush toys

Who we can serve

  • Children ages 3 to 17
  • Facing a chronic or terminal illness, or going through major treatment
  • Living in one of the counties listed here

That includes cancer, sickle cell, children on a transplant list, and children recovering from serious accidents and multiple surgeries. If you are a teacher, nurse or neighbor telling us about a child, use the same application and include a way to reach the parent.

What happens after you apply

We read every application ourselves and call the families we can serve. That call is where we learn your child’s story, their diagnosis and their favorite things. Nothing about your child is shared without the permission you give on the form. Every recipient is chosen at the discretion of the OSA board.

If you would rather talk to someone first, call (567) 331-2162 or email support@operationsurpriseattack.org.

Start the application
Start the application

Counties we serve

Map of the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan counties Operation Surprise Attack serves

Ohio

Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, Morrow, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, Wyandot

Michigan

Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Wayne

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

Answers to how a campaign works, who qualifies, and where your gift goes.
Who can receive a card campaign?

Children ages 3 to 17 in Northwest Ohio or Southeast Michigan who are facing a chronic or terminal illness, or going through major treatment. That includes cancer, sickle cell, children on a transplant list, and children recovering from serious accidents and multiple surgeries.

How many cards does a child actually get?

More than a thousand for most campaigns. Each child's flyer goes out to schools, churches and youth groups across the area, and classrooms make cards for about four weeks.

Does the family get anything besides cards?

Yes. Every family receives a $500 donation from us, along with gift cards for gas, groceries and restaurants, and brand new toys, books and games for the child. At Christmas, sponsors adopt the whole family and provide gifts for every child in the household.

How far do you travel?

About an hour to an hour and a half north and south of Toledo. We drive every delivery ourselves, which is what sets the boundary.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Operation Surprise Attack is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 87-3484307. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Can my school or church run a card drive?

Yes. Most of our cards come from schools, churches and youth organizations, and it is often the art teacher who runs it. Get in touch and we will send you the current campaign flyers.

Take Action

Let's Surprise the Next Child Together

Make one card, run a card drive with your class, or sponsor a whole campaign.
Get Involved
Get Involved