#Japan #Tokyo #JCV #Vaccine Support #Postcard Campaign

Join the Fight to Save Children's Lives with Postcard and Stamp Donations

In an inspiring joint effort to provide vaccines to children in need, the non-profit organization JCV (Japan Committee for Vaccines for Children) is continuing its collectible postcard and stamp campaign. Last year, the initiative garnered enough support to provide vaccinations for 383,689 children, raising approximately 7,673,777 yen. This year, as many newborns need essential vaccines, JCV is determined to keep this campaign alive.

Every day, around 4,000 children die from vaccine-preventable diseases simply due to a lack of access to essential vaccinations. The JCV strives to combat this tragic reality through community involvement and collective action. The core of the campaign encourages people to look for unused or mismarked postcards and stamps either in their homes or workplaces. Surprisingly, everyday items can transform into a lifeline for vulnerable children in developing nations who suffer from infectious diseases.

How the Postcard and Stamp Collection Works

The JCV accepts all types of postcards: unused, mismarked, or even old and damaged ones, ensuring that every piece contributes to the cause. When donated, these postcards are exchanged at post offices or through authorized resellers for sets of stamps. For example, donating a postcard valued at 85 yen typically translates into a donation of around 60 yen after transaction fees are deducted. This sum can help vaccinate approximately 30 children against polio, with each vaccination costing just 20 yen.

Additionally, the campaign accepts used stamps, which are sold to collectors for roughly 1,500 yen per kilogram, yielding critical funds for vaccine support. By simply sending what one no longer needs, donors actively participate in saving lives in developing countries.

Heartwarming Messages from Donors

Since the beginning of the campaign, over 1,390 generous individuals have sent postcards and stamps along with heartfelt messages expressing their support. One donor shared, “I learned about your wonderful initiative from a recent article. Though I could only send a few, I hope it helps the children in need.” Another stated, “While organizing my belongings, I came across some old New Year's cards. I hope these can save even one child's life, so I decided to send them in.” Such messages illustrate how engaging in this campaign not just fosters hope for children abroad but also cultivates joy among the supporters.

Gratitude from Beneficiaries in Bhutan

The JCV’s efforts have even reached distant areas like Bhutan, where earlier this year, a local mother expressed her profound thanks for the ongoing vaccine support. “Thank you to everyone in Japan for continuously sending vaccines to our country. Our village is located high in the mountains, making access to healthcare extremely challenging. If a child contracts an infectious disease, treatment may arrive too late. The vaccine is a lifeline for our children. Today, my son was able to receive vaccinations against measles and tetanus, ensuring he can grow up healthy,” she remarked, emphasizing the critical impact these vaccines have on communities facing health crises.

An Ongoing Crisis: Infections Affect Children Daily

In developing countries, diseases such as polio, measles, and tuberculosis constitute daily threats, claiming the lives of nearly 4,000 children each day—an alarming statistic that translates to one child every 20 seconds. These lives could be saved through timely vaccinations. The JCV, founded in 1994, has been dedicated to delivering vaccines and protecting the futures of children in vulnerable communities. Since its inception, the organization has successfully provided vaccines to over 139 million children, working closely with UNICEF and ministries of health across multiple nations.

In 2025, thanks to collective support from its patrons, the JCV delivered vaccines and cold-chain equipment valued at approximately 117 million yen to children in Myanmar, Laos, Bhutan, and Vanuatu.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Every piece of unused stationery collecting dust in drawers can save lives. By contributing your postcards and stamps to the JCV, you embody a spirit of compassion that can reach corners of the world in urgent need of care. Let's work together in this ongoing campaign to ensure that no child has to suffer or die from preventable diseases due to a lack of resources. For more details on how to donate, visit JCV Donation Campaign. Your small act can transform into a monumental change for children around the globe.