E-Mail This Article to a Friend It’s in the cards This season, why not send holiday greetings that benefit a local nonprofit? BY DARCY HEITZKE

We all have (or try to have) generous thoughts around the holidays. Perhaps you plan to donate your time to a soup kitchen, or some canned goods to a family in need. Somehow, though, particularly this season, your wallet seems to be on the lighter side and your time feels rather limited. But don’t sweat it — you can still give back to the community by purchasing your holiday cards from one of the area’s many nonprofit organizations. It’s a no-brainer, really. You’re going to buy cards anyway; why not direct your money toward a good cause at the same time?

The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is New England’s oldest and largest AIDS-service organization. Its goal is to stop the spread of HIV and assist those who are already infected through care, education, and advocacy. The AAC’s holiday cards feature artwork by children’s-book illustrator and author Tomie dePaola ($15/10-card set). Each of the five original designs incorporates the signature red ribbon associated with the HIV/AIDS cause and is available on the AAC’s Web site.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides expert care to cancer patients, as well as education, outreach, and advocacy. The Jimmy Fund supports the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber by furthering cancer research and care. Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund have joined forces this season to bring you several holiday-card collections. Choose among the Red Sox Collection, the Dove Collection, the Boston View Collection, and the Hollies and Berries Collection ($20/15-card set). All can be ordered through Dana-Farber’s Web site or purchased at the Christmas Dove, in Faneuil Hall.

The Home for Little Wanderers, one of the oldest child-welfare agencies in the nation, works to ensure the healthy development of children at risk. Its "Big Wishes" campaign will help provide financial resources for numerous children during the holiday season and throughout the year. You can get involved by purchasing one of three different holiday-card collections showcasing artwork created by children served by the home ($12/16-card set). Visit the organization’s Web site to place an order.

The Pine Street Inn serves 1200 men and women daily with programs that offer food, shelter, health care, counseling, and job training. Show your support by purchasing one of seven different boxed holiday-card sets, three of which are new this year. Of the 2004 designs, choose from May the Season Shine by Boston’s Stephen Cerceillo, Let It Snow by West Harwich artist William J. Maloney, and Garden Afternoon by Kevin Shea of Newburyport ($15/10-card set). Holiday cards are available through the Pine Street Inn Web site and at most Boston-area Barnes & Noble stores.

Project Bread provides hunger relief for children and families in need, as well as advocacy, education, research, and development. Do your part by purchasing a set of Project Bread’s festive holiday cards — the proceeds go directly to helping the hungry statewide. Choose from seven original watercolor card designs, all created and donated by local artists ($12.60/10-card set). They are available through Project Bread’s Web site.

Rosie’s Place provides a safe haven for poor and homeless women by offering shelter, clothing, food, education, and encouragement. Additional services such as English-language programs, on-site workshops, and job training help women find success and achieve their dreams. Support Rosie’s Place this season by purchasing a set of greeting cards featuring the work of two local artists. Choose between Angel Snowfall by the South End’s Thomas Rebek and Boston Triple Decker by Roslindale’s Lisa Sankowski ($15/10-card set). Both designs can be ordered through the Rosie’s Place Web site.

Where to get it:

• AIDS Action Committee, www.aac.org.

• Barnes & Noble, various locations, www.bn.com.

• Christmas Dove, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, (617) 367-2682.

• Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund, www.dana-farber.org.

• Home for Little Wanderers, www.thehome.org.

• Pine Street Inn, www.pinestreetinn.org.

• Project Bread, www.projectbread.org.

• Rosie’s Place, www.rosies.org.