Greetings from The Daleville Darlings
On the second Wednesday of every month, a small room inside Daleville Community Library transforms into the workshop of the Daleville Darlings – a crafting group that specializes in greeting cards. The group has been around since the early 2000s and members like their group leader, Jan Heiss, have been involved for over 10 years.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, eight of the eleven Daleville Darlings gathered to construct the card kits that week’s volunteers prepared. The cards they make are not your average Halmark cards but detailed and handcrafted creations, and each meeting is unique with their rotation of different members picking out new designs.

Outside the library walls, many members make cards on their own time like Colleen Ball, who makes on average 150 to 200 cards a month and over the years, the group has formed many connections with charities and organizations which has allowed them to contribute their heartfelt creations to those in need. A late member, Dixie Smith, was very active with the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Marion, Indiana, and would frequently donate the group’s creations to show their appreciation to those who have served, as well as provide veterans in the hospital with cards they could send to their friends and families. Thanks to Connie Adkins and her connection to a local charity that provided backpacks for children going into foster care, the group donated cards to be given to each child.

When I left the ladies to their work, I left with not only my own handcrafted card but a sweet reminder of the joy that groups like the Daleville Darlings bring to the community and the connections made within them. (Photos by Sam Lyon)