Write a Letter

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Write a letter to brighten an elder’s day

Everyone deserves a mailbox full of love letters, and we’re on a mission to make that happen– we’ve sent 750,000+ letters of love around the world. So take a few minutes, sit down, and write a letter. Tell them about yourself, maybe share a joke or a riddle and let them know that they are loved.


 
 

How to write a letter

It might feel difficult at first to be writing to someone you don’t know. Our advice: just pretend like it’s a conversation! What kinds of things would you want to talk about with a stranger?

Our Guidelines:

1. Letters must be legible (large print), handwritten, and include no glitter. No worries if you’re not artistic– make your card as what you’d like to receive.

2. Avoid religion and controversial topics. Your letter should be meaningful to anyone

3. Embrace creativity! Recipients love it when the letters are personal. We encourage you to make your letters colorful and fun– photos, crosswords, and drawings are great!

4. Be kind & thoughtful. You can include a return address, but please do not expect a reply. We want to ensure recipients don’t feel burdened by the need to reply.

 

 

Fulfill May letter requests

Read this month’s bios and choose which of our elder(s) you’d like to write. All letters should be stamped and mailed with love by May 31, 2025. New elders are shared on the 1st of every month!

 

Nancy

A note from Nancy's daughter: Nancy is 82 years old, born and raised in Detroit, MI. She recently experienced a severe stroke and was told she would not make it. By the grace of God, she pulled through and now has a very long road to recovery. She is currently undergoing physical therapy, so receiving letters of heartfelt support would mean the world to her. 

Please send all letters to:

Nancy’s Bundle

c/o Ashley F.

206 Sandpiper Village Way

Henderson, NV 89012

Rose

A note from Rose’s daughter: Rose just turned 90 years old in March. She has 7 children, 16 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. She lives in an assisted living facility. My mom taught herself to knit and crochet at the age of 12 years old. As children, we always had knitted sweaters, hats, scarfs and mittens, and now she is making hats and mittens for all the grandchildren. She also makes several sets for the local grade schools to distribute to children that need them. She makes lap robes for all the residents at the assisted living, and she makes sure all the veterans get a red, white and blue lap robe. She is an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan and loves the Green Bay Packers! We like to play Canasta when I visit her, too. Mom has always liked getting letters and would enjoy receiving handwritten letters and cards from people.

Please send all letters to:

Rose’s Bundle

c/o Mary M.

N4371 Grand Ave

Neillsville, WI 54456


Charles

A note from Charles’s daughter: Charles loves to "tinker" and fix things on his old golf cart & mowers, listen to many genres of music on his jukebox, and watch entertaining videos on YouTube. His oldest child, and only son, passed away unexpectedly in 2021 and his wife passed in 2023. He has health challenges, but overall does well living on his own on a little plot of land in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. His faith in God keeps him going and enjoys the company of his 2 daughters, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, when they are able to get together. However, he is extremely lonely and heartbroken. Your letters will be a bright light and he will thoroughly enjoy reading about others lives and hearing from you all around the world.

Please send all letters to:

Charles’s Bundle

c/o Cyndi B.

837 Westgate Dr

Billings, MT 59101

Lorriane

A note from Lorriane’s granddaughter: My grandma just turned 85. She lives alone in Florida. She lost her husband four years ago to a stroke during COVID. She loves to do puzzles and bake. She also volunteers at the local animal shelter and attends church every Sunday. She loves meeting new people. The only person who sends her letters anymore is the last of her five sisters. They write to each other with updates every month. I’m sure getting a letter would mean a lot to her.

Please send all letters to:

Lorriane’s Bundle

c/o Hadley F.

100 Academy Dr

Mercersburg, PA 17236


Judy F.

A note from Judy’s step-daughter: My step-mom is one of the kindest people I know. She just turned 83 in February and has had some health issues which recently required her to be permanently moved to a nursing home and away from the home she and my dad shared. He is the love of her life, and I know it has been hard for her. She was a folk musician for most of her life and performed concerts with a small band of friends until a few years ago when arthritis made it too difficult for her. Being a real people person, this was a big loss, as this was a big part of her social life. She played various instruments, but the one she loved most was her psaltery, a cross between a zither and a dulcimer. She loves to crochet and has made many hats and blankets for the homeless over the years, and for babies at her church. Despite all she has been through, she always tries to have a positive attitude. Your letters will really help lift her spirits.

Please send all letters to:

Judy F’s Bundle

c/o Melanie N.

6137 Bridgewater Cir

East Lansing, MI 48823

Barbara

A note from Barbara’s niece: My aunt Barbara is in her 70s from the surrounding Philadelphia area. She has always lived alone, and my parents and I are her only family left. She absolutely loves dogs, taking walks in the parks, traveling the world, and going on our annual summer lobster lunch. Her health has been getting worse lately and she can't go out like she used to anymore. She's having surgery soon and won't be able to go out at all in the coming months. She would love to hear about any trips you've taken or stories of your dogs, and if you send pictures I can promise they will end up on her fridge!

Please send all letters to:

Barbara’s Bundle

c/o Faye G. 

817 Lindsley Ct

Burlington, NJ 08016


Debbie

A note from Debbie’s child: My mother, Debbie, is a 62-year-old mother of 2 and grandmother of 7. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, where she's lived for most of her life. Debbie is kind, intelligent, creative, and altruistic. She donated a kidney to a stranger and loves writing letters to those in need, including active duty soldiers. Her hobbies include photography, jigsaw puzzles, word games, crafting, writing to pen pals, and baking. Debbie has been having a very hard time lately. She went through hip replacement surgery a few years ago, and suffers from limited mobility, pain, and depression. She's been very lonely since her grandchildren and many other family members live out of state. Please help brighten her day. She needs to know that there are still good people out there and that someone cares.

Please send all letters to:

Debbie’s Bundle

c/o Al N.

680 E 3rd St

Brooklyn, NY 11218

Judy S.

A note from Judy’s grandson: Judy loves sewing. She is from Indiana and has lived all over the country, and currently lives with her daughter. She has been feeling depressed since losing 2 of her kids this past year. She loves Jesus Christ and loves learning about him. Judy loves reading murder books, military movies and shows like Hawaii Five-0. She would love to hear from everyone who could send her a note to cheer her up!

Please send all letters to:

Judy S’s Bundle

c/o Jordan R. 

504 Woodruff Ct

Seymour, IN 47274


Tyler & Mary*

A note from their granddaughter: My grandparents are some of the sweetest people! My grandpa loves stamps both collectible and postage! He loves to talk about anything in that realm and my grandmother loves to thrift and find the good finds! Both are in their 80s and would love to hear from people from around the country. It makes them super sad that people don’t use the mail anymore and I know they would love to receive some special letters! They are Catholic so religious cards are welcome!

Please send all letters to:

Tyler and Mary’s Bundle

c/o Georgia P. 

2004 Brenham Dr

McKinney, TX 75072

*You can address them together or separately (1 or 2 cards total)

Bell

A note from Bell’s daughter: Bell is a warm, joyful woman who has always found delight in gardening, dancing, and especially cooking. Originally from India and now in her 60s, Bell lives alone and is navigating early dementia, which has made day-to-day tasks more challenging. Bell is also alone in the states, with her siblings living in other countries, which has deepened her sense of isolation, since much of her time is spent by herself. She can no longer drive and, over time, has grown more hesitant to leave the house, making her world feel smaller and more difficult to navigate. Despite everything, she still lights up at the thought of connecting with others. One of the highlights of her day is her walk to the mailbox—it's something she genuinely looks forward to. Your note, no matter how simple, could offer comfort, companionship, and a little extra light during a difficult time as a reminder that she’s not forgotten.

Please send all letters to:

Bell’s Bundle

c/o Manjot C.

16202 72nd Ave Ct E

Puyallup, WA 98375


Loretta

A note from Loretta’s daughter: Loretta is originally from Northern Minnesota but lives in Oregon now. She recently had to leave the apartment she shared with my Dad before he died and move into a care center. She was Dad's caregiver for when he had dementia. Before that, she was always busy cooking, cleaning, active in her church, babysitting grandchildren, and much more. Now she suffers from pain, can't walk, and has lost interest in most everything. She does enjoy looking at family photos but could really use a pick me up and some positive notes.

Please send all letters to:

Loretta’s Bundle

c/o Terry O. 

2302 Frontera St

Navarre, FL 32566

Paulina

A note from Paulina’s daughter: My mom came here in 1975 after escaping the war in Vietnam. She didn't know then that she would have to start life over, in a new country with two children under the age of three and a baby on the way. She worked hard to learn English and take care of the three of us children after our dad passed away when we were young. COVID was really hard on her, as she spent much of that time alone, working remotely. Now retired, she lives for time with her grandchildren, but they all lead such busy lives. She spends many days on her own, cooking and watching Vietnamese movies. She would love letters for connection!

Please send all letters to:

Paulina’s Bundle

c/o Melissa S.  

14871 SW 164th Ave

Tigard, OR 97224


Rafa

A note from Rafa’s granddaughter: My grandpa, now 86, is from Puerto Rico and has lived in the same place since childhood. He built the house he lives in and spends most of his time on his finca, caring for his chickens and rescue cat. He enjoys watching old Mexican and karate movies but hasn’t been himself since my grandma passed away. As a child, he was sick and never learned to read or write, so I will be reading these letters to him. I think any small gesture could cheer him up. Spanish letters are also welcome.

Please send all letters to:

Rafa’s Bundle

c/o Laura O. 

P.O. Box 220 

Las Marías, PR 00670

Gerry

A note from Gerry’s caregiver: Gerry is the sweetest little old lady. She is an Idaho native and currently lives in Boise. Her husband has since passed so she lives alone. She worked for many nonprofits in her time and is always looking out for others. She loves to do Wordle, crosswords over coffee, and play with her old pup Willie. Her favorite games are Cribbage & Five Crowns. In the summer she still loves to grow a garden, mostly cucumbers and tomatoes. She takes great pride in her grandson who takes beautiful photos (on old school film). She puzzles and cooks (& bakes for her sweet tooth) and has so many meaningful stories to share. She traveled the world and flew planes in her prime. She still loves to be outdoors but it’s hard for her to get out these days. She says the mountains are her church. Letters would really cheer her up.

Please send all letters to:

Gerry’s Bundle

c/o Emily B. 

1620 S Helen St

Boise, ID 83705


Norma

A note from Norma’s granddaughter: Norma has endured tremendous loss in recent years, including the death of her beloved husband two years ago and, more recently, the passing of one of her sons. While she lives with my parents, this grief has left her feeling isolated and deeply saddened. She has gradually withdrawn from social activities that once brought her comfort. Norma grew up in Kansas during the depression and loves her family. She has lived a hard life but also a full life. She traveled a lot while her husband served in the Navy. She loves her dog and reading! She also loves playing cards and yahtzee - she rarely loses! Reading your letters will help her from feeling so sad. 

Please send all letters to:

Norma’s Bundle

c/o Hanna M. 

3220 Discovery Dr

Oak Point, TX 75068

Dawn

A note from Dawn’s son: Dawn is the most selfless person I know! She was the primary caregiver to my dad for the last years of his life before he passed away (Parkinson’s). Now she is the caregiver for her mother (92 on hospice). She has put others in front of her own needs for as long as I can remember. She could really use some notes to help remind her that she is loved.

Please send all letters to:

Dawn’s Bundle

c/o Jared B. 

8218 Mary Lucille Rd

Magna, UT 84044

 
 

Next Step

We’re thrilled you’ve joined our letter-writing mission. Do more good by sharing your letter on social media and make sure to mark your calendar for our holiday Letter to an Elder Day on February 26th. #lettertoanelderday

 
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Chip in to support our work

We’re run entirely by volunteers who facilitate volunteer events, coordinate letter requests, speak to classrooms and organizations, and manage our website.

Consider taking your giving a step further by making a contribution along with your letters to help us continue serving seniors.

 
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