Americans exchange 7 billion greeting cards a year, with more than 2 billion being swapped over the holidays despite the growing popularity of e-cards and other online options.

Once again, local and national charities are offering specially designed holiday cards, many by local artists, whose proceeds help needy causes.

The American Cancer Society, for example, features two local artists' work this year.

Washington County artist James M. Sulkowski created "Holiday Time at the Bradford House -- 1790," a classic portrayal of a colonial Christmas. They are $22.50 for a box of 25.

Pittsburgh's own Linda Barnicott's "My Hometown," a picturesque holiday scene of the three rivers, is $24 each for one to three boxes, $22 for four to nine boxes and $20 for 10 or more boxes. Each box has 25 cards.

Both cards can be purchased by calling 1-888-227-5445.

• The American Diabetes Association is offering an extensive catalog of 32 Christmas and Hanukkah cards, plus calendars, soap, candles, clocks and ornaments. Boxed sets of 20 cards range from $11.99 to $27.99. These can be viewed at www.diabetes.org/giftofhope. Or, to request a catalog, call 412-824-1181, press 0.

• Make-A-Wish Foundation has four colorful, charming sets of cards, designed by wish children. These are $10 for a box of 15. Call 412-471-9474.

• The Multiple Sclerosis Services Society has one card, a stunning photograph of the Cathedral of Learning glittering with lights in celebration of the city's 250th birthday. This was taken by retired Pittsburgh Press photographer Edward Frank. Box of 20 cards is $19.95, plus shipping and handling. Call 412-539-1090 or e-mail, sjn@mspittsburgh.org.

• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has one card, "Horne's Tree," designed by watercolor artist Mary Lois Verrilla, also known as "the lady who paints Pittsburgh." This depicts a beautiful scene of Pittsburgh past with a glowing holiday tree on the former Joseph Horne's department store at the corner of Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. Call 1-800-726-2873 to purchase.

• Little Sisters of the Poor has a card with a design of the Virgin Mary and child by Sister Martha Lieb. A box of seven cards is $10, a box of 12 is $15 and a box of 25 is $25. Call 412-307-1268.

• Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania is offering a card with the artwork of the late watercolor artist Jess Hagar, a dedicated supporter of the organization. His design is the 14th donated in a series. "Holiday Season-Mellon Square," a scene of a warmly lit, snow-laden Downtown, is $18 for a box of 20 and can be purchased by calling 412-261-5886.

• People Concerned for the Unborn Child are offering a scene of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus at $6 for a set of 10. Call 412-531-9272.

• Seraphic Mass Association has a card with a colorful design of the Holy Family. Orders as many as you want for a free-will donation. Recipients are remembered in a Novena of Masses beginning on Christmas Eve. Proceeds benefit Capuchin missionaries. Call 412-683-4700.

In addition, Kards Unlimited, 5522 Walnut St., Shadyside, has a selection of boxed holiday charity cards from many organizations. Among these are the Sierra Club, which features nature photography. These are $12 for a box of 12 or $15 for an assorted box of 20.

UNICEF offers multiple motifs, many of them with angelic themes, and these are $20 for a box of 12. The proceeds provide vitamin-enriched food packets to malnourished children.

Kards Unlimited also offers Good Cause Greetings, a foundation that helps create charity cards for nonprofits worldwide. There are 14 organizations this year, including Doctors of the World, Breast Cancer Fund and Pro Literacy Worldwide. Each charity's card is appropriate to the organization. Boxes of 10 are $15.