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 September 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 September 30, 2024. We post new elders who want mail from you on the 1st of every month.

Betty

A note from Betty’s daughter: My mom had a brain aneurysm last year that has affected her speech and memory. It has been hard on her to be stuck in the house all day because of her health, and with her speech being unintelligible it’s frustrating to try to talk to people on the phone. She can read, however, with no problem, and looks for any mail to come for her every day. Sadly, she never gets any mail and is always so disappointed! She loves people, cooking, donuts and coffee, genealogy, dogs, and hummingbirds. I would love to give her the gift of letters to help her feel less isolated and to feel more engaged.

Please send all letters to:

Betty’s Bundle

c/o Leigh H. 

9439 San Jose Blvd. Apt 197

Jacksonville, FL 32257

Dennis

A note from Dennis’s friend and caretaker: Dennis is a very country, simple man who loves to be around young people for their energy and inquisitiveness. He's one of fifteen children who grew poor but excelled in life. He was one of the youngest people to manage a McDonalds at the age of 19. He was a hairdresser, owned his own salon and has five boys. He loves to tell stories (lots of them). He now is unable to drive so he feels isolated and lonely. Anything you write will pick up his spirits.

Please send all letters to:

Dennis’s Bundle

c/o Brent W.

7490 Aloma Pines Ct. 

Winter Park, FL 32792

William

A note from William’s daughter-in-law: He loves the Star Trek tv show, watching the news, and following the weather. He used to drive big rigs and drove all over the US so he likes telling truck driving stories. He has been widowed for 15 yrs now. His sister, niece and nephew have all passed away. My husband, myself and our children are the only family or friends he has really. He totaled his car about 2 yrs ago (thankfully no one was hurt) so he lost access to driving which was always a favorite pastime. He is the nicest guy and I feel bad he is home alone everyday. He would love to get letters to read from around the country!

Please send all letters to:

William’s Bundle

c/o Tammy H.

7731 Everest Circle

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Harvey

A note from Harvey’s granddaughter: My grandpa, Harvey, is the kindest man you will ever meet. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida where he still lives today. He recently broke his hip and has had a hard time getting back into the things he loves. He used to ride motorcycles, “tinker in his garage” where he could make anything you ask for, and he likes to keep up with his family. I know he’s been feeling lonely recently and I would love to give him something special to look forward to, please help lift his spirits with a letter!

Please send all letters to:

Harvey’s Bundle

c/o Cheyenne W.

353 W Silverthorn Lane

Ponte Vedra, FL 32081

Olive

A note from Olive’s granddaughter: My grandma lives in Two harbors, MN in an assisted living facility. She is 95 years old. She is mostly confined to her room now and that’s hard on her. She gets confused sometimes and mixes things up, but still loves visits from her 5 children and their families. She LOVES mail. She used to be a choir director and voice teacher. She loves music, her family and crafts. She used to sew a lot, but can’t anymore. She has recently taken up coloring (coloring books) and that has been a real lifeline to her since she can’t do a lot she used to. She is a sweet, happy go lucky woman who always makes people laugh and smile. She has always been a creative person who loves making things and she would love to get some happy mail to boost her day!

Please send all letters to:

Olive’s Bundle

c/o Angela N.

N8405 510th Street

Spring Valley, WI 54767

Joellen

A note from Joellen’s daughter: My mother turns 84 this month and is going strong! She lives alone and recently had surgery for colon cancer. She was in and out of the hospital in May until they discovered the tumor and she had surgery.  She's recovering now at home and doing better.  My sister lives in the UK and while I live close to my mom, she spends a lot of time alone.  She prefers to live alone, but I know at times it does get lonely especially recovering from a major surgery. She would love little notes of encouragement and birthday wishes!

Please send all letters to:

Joellen’s Bundle

c/o Kara C.

10622 Cape Cod Lane

Huntley, IL 60142

Dorothy

A note from Dorothy’s great niece: My Great Aunt Dottie is turning 90 this month! She was born and raised Sicilian Brooklyn who retired to New Jersey. She loves everything Italian! She is an amazing cook and her rice balls are legendary. She loves style, fashion, accessories, and more. She has been known to be a shopaholic. She is fun, kind, sassy, and has a great Brooklyn accent. Turning 90, she would love to celebrate this major milestone with cards and letters from you!

Please send all letters to:

Dorothy’s Bundle

c/o Meredith L.

417 McAlpin Avenue 

Cincinnati, OH 45220

Angela

A note from Angela’s daughter: My mother likes having pen pals, watches telenovelas and is interested in the History and UFO channel. She recently moved from assisted living to a nursing home and misses her friends dearly. She is making new friends now and would love to hear from people from different places around the world. She tries to write back but has arthritis in her hands and does her very best.

Please send all letters to:

The Lee Family

For Angela’s Bundle 

PO Box 13

Wheat Ridge, CO 80034