You can make an elder smile today

Everyone deserves a mailbox full of love letters, and we’re on a mission to make that happen– we’ve sent 500,000 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

Unacceptable:

Letters we love:

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, if possible. Your letter should resonate with 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 letter back. We want to ensure recipients aren’t burdened by feeling obligated or unable to respond.

Fulfill October letter requests

Read elder bios written by the person who nominated them and choose which elder(s) you’d like to write. All letters should be stamped and mailed with love by October 31, 2024. We post new elders who want mail from you on the 1st of every month.

Mike

A note from Mike’s granddaughter: My grandfather recently moved into assisted living with my grandmother, but it has been harder on him. He feels like he's lost his independence and freedom of coming and going, but he's in pretty great shape for turning 94 in July! My grandmother is content staying in their apartment and because of that he doesn't leave either to meet other residents or participate in activities I know that he'd love. He loves music, dogs, old westerns, hearing of others' travels and his family. When he was more active he worked in a hardware store, so he loves a home improvement project too. I think he'd really enjoy reading your letters to pass the time!

Please send all letters to:

Mike’s Bundle

c/o Sarah D. 

1587 Northland Ave

Lakewood, OH 44107

Irene

A note from Irene’s granddaughter: Irene grew up in Ira, Vermont but has lived most of her life in Montrose, Pennsylvania. She was married to my grandfather for 48 years before he passed away. She was a minister's wife, a volunteer with 4-H in baking, sewing, and poultry, and worked with special needs adults until she retired. She loves birds, flowers, and quilting. She has recently been relegated to the nursing home and is very unhappy as she has been fiercely independent her whole life. Her physical health has let her down but her mind is still sharp. She would love to hear some positive and uplifting messages from around the country!

Please send all letters to:

Irene’s Bundle

c/o Joy T. 

1707 W Beeson Road

Dodge City, KS 67801

Frank and Lorraine*

A note from their daughter: My folks, who still live independently, are 89 and 96 years old. My mom is legally blind and my father recently had to give up driving. They are now homebound and feeling very isolated. It would be really great to let them know that others are thinking about them and wishing them well, as they could use a bit of cheering up! They are devoted to their church, which they attend by watching Sunday services online. My dad is a Korean war veteran and before my mom's eyesight dimmed with macular degeneration, she was a beautiful quilter and volunteered regularly for service projects at the church, donating dozens and dozens of kids’ quilts to charities. They both enjoyed walking and socializing regularly with their group of friends, but most of these friends have passed now. Despite the challenges of aging, they try to be upbeat, but this latest change of becoming homebound has been challenging. Please show them some love!

Please send all letters to:

Frank and Lorraine’s Bundle

c/o Bonnie K.

4532 North Shore Drive NE

Kalkaska, MI 49646

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

Michael

A note from Michael’s daughter: My father is truly an amazing person and loves talking to people and receiving mail. He is interested in dogs, specifically the Alaskan Malamute. He loves horses and country music. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and the Oakridge Boys are some of his favorites. Michael grew up on a ranch in Monterey, CA. Throughout the years, he worked numerous jobs which have helped the community. He was a first responder for many years and eventually went on to law school to become a lawyer. After retiring, my dad still felt he could contribute to the younger generation so he decided to become a teacher at a local college. He taught criminal justice and his students adored him. My dad was able to engage with all of his students, and made his classes fun. Michael has 2 adult daughters, 1 adult stepson, and six grandchildren between his three children. He can’t wait to hear from you!

Please send all letters to:

Michael’s Bundle

c/o Melissa O.

9301 Mill Pond Road

Spotsylvania, VA 22551

August & Diane*

A note from their granddaughter: My grandparents are lovely people who live in NC. They met in a disco & have been married 50 years! Mama worked at the post office & papa worked on planes. Mama loves cows & she used to cross stitch and she has made a quilt before. My papa loved to do woodwork & work in the garage making new things! Sadly this year they've lost two dogs & in August mama had a mild stroke. They mean a lot to me and I want them to know how much they matter and that they are loved, any uplifting & lovely words would mean so much to them and to our family.

Please send all letters to:

August and Diane’s Bundle

c/o Anastasia M. 

45 Old Stone Lane

Youngsville, NC 27596

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

Betty

A note from Betty’s granddaughter: Betty is 81 years old and has lived in Upstate South Carolina her entire life. She raised 3 children and has 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Betty was active and social her entire life but lately she has not been able to leave her home much and the majority of her friends have passed away. She loves birds, gardening, and family. She has saved almost every greeting card she has ever received and has some that date back to the 1940s! She would love to add to her collection and is in need of some positive notes!

Please send all letters to:

Betty’s Bundle

c/o Leah S. 

4624 Longbriar Drive 

Gastonia, NC 28056

Anthony

A note from Anthony’s daughter: Anthony is new to long term care and is having good and not so good days.  In June he celebrated his 95th birthday! Anthony served in the army and was deployed during the Korean conflict.  He loves his country and was proud to serve. He loves supporting wildlife and misses being able to garden now that he is confined to a wheelchair. Please send him some notes of encouragement so he can have better days and something to look forward to!

Please send all letters to:

Anthony’s Bundle

c/o Jennie P. 

460 N Broadway 

Gloucester City, NJ 08030

Nancy

A note from Nancy’s granddaughter: My grandma just turned 82 in June! She was born in Chicago but now resides in Wyoming. She loves sewing, bird watching, and reading on her kindle! She used to play the piano for her church! My grandma is super sweet and kind and would love to hear from you!

Please send all letters to:

Nancy’s Bundle

c/o Madi B.

11 Cattail Lane 

Sheridan, WY 82801