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 900,000+ 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 December 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 December 31, 2025. New elders are shared on the 1st of every month!

Pro tip: These addresses will be taken down at the end of the month, so address your envelope before you start your letter.

Special note: We’re inching toward an incredible milestone — 1 million letters sent since our founding in 2013! Your support keeps us going. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us cover postage and materials for our student-led chapters, putting letter writing and drop-off mailboxes in community centers, and continuing another year.

A gift to you: We’ve made a “12 days of love letters” countdown calendar so you can enjoy fun festive card-making prompts!

Mariann

A note from Mariann’s grandson: Our grandma Mariann lives up the street from us and loves it when we come to visit! However, she gets less and less visits because my family is busy and I leave for college. My grandma worked as a floral designer for years and loves to craft, however she struggles to do so now because of her shaking and age. She is trying to get into reading her Bible more. Nana loves to shop, especially at the dollar store and she has always wanted to travel to Rome! She feels lonely and would love to hear from you to cheer her up!

Please send all letters to:

Mariann’s Bundle

c/o Cameron W.

176 Providence Forge Rd

Royersford, PA 19468

Mary

A note from Mary’s granddaughter: At 90 years old, Mary is navigating life alone after recently losing her beloved husband. Living by herself in Ohio, she faces the quietness and isolation that comes with such a deep loss. Despite it all, she still finds joy in the little things-like shopping at Macy's, keeping a spotless home, and especially spending time with her grandchildren! She loves to play cards - Bridge- and hosts bridge at her home occasionally. Christmas is her favorite time of year; she starts decorating months in advance and cherishes hosting Christmas Eve, making it magical for everyone. She is famous for always setting up her Christmas village under the tree, an Italian tradition! A bundle of letters would bring her so much comfort, love, and connection during this time in her life when she needs it most.

Please send all letters to:

Mary’s Bundle

c/o Christina M.

833 Gardenstone Cir

Tallmadge, OH 44278

Janet

A note from Janet’s daughter: Janet is 91 years old and lives in an assisted living facility. After her marriage, she has resided in Tiffin for over 70+ years! Janet's past hobbies included sewing, quilting, flower gardening, reading, big band music, genealogy, squirrel watching and attending sporting and cultural activities with her children and grandchildren. Janet has dementia, and her memory goes in and out. Sadly, she never gets any mail, and it would be wonderful to be able to share with her letters from people who would like to write her a letter to bring cheers and smiles into her quiet days!

Please send all letters to:

Janet’s Bundle

c/o Denice B.

6010 County Rd 113

Bellevue, OH 44811

Barbara

A note from Barbara’s daughter: Barbara is a high functioning, mentally challenged woman. She is 78 years old, Christian, Baptist, and loves her little dog. I’ve had difficulty trying to get her out of her house the last few years. She’s secure in her own little environment, and going outside causes her great anxiety. Her birthday is this month and it would be amazing to fill her mailbox with letters of love from all over the world!

Please send all letters to:

Barbara’s Bundle

c/o Christina J. 

579 Payne Lk Rd

Brent, AL 35034

Alberta

A note from Alberta’s granddaughter: Alberta is from Warner Robins, GA. She enjoys church and fellowship with her friends and family. She’s spent years giving back to her community through prison reform, fostering children, and feeding/assisting the homeless. She deserves a letter because she truly makes the world a better place! She gives with her whole heart and anyone that meets her receives the same love as her own family!

Please send all letters to:

Alberta’s Bundle

c/o Alex P.

75 Brookwood Crossing

Douglasville, GA 30134

Jan

A note from Jan’s friend: Jan lives in an assisted living facility and participates in their activities when they happen. She has some physical limitations but gets around with her walker. She loves art in all forms and is always painting or crafting angels! She is also an avid reader. Jan has a heavy speech impediment that most people shy away from, making it difficult to form friendships. She has no local relatives. I visit her often and she is always so positive, cheerful and truly brightens my week. I would love to bring joy into this wonderful lady's life through your letters!

Please send all letters to:

Jan’s Bundle

c/o Laura C. 

10201 Heather Glen Dr

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Dr. Dwight

A note from Dr. Dwight’s partner: Dr. Dwight is a 92 year old veteran of the Army in the Korean War recently diagnosed with Dementia. He is a 9th degree black belt in Taekwondo and taught into his 80s. He is an awesome singer and has been with multiple Presidents and in the White House! His four children don’t live close, so he is lonely and doesn't get too many calls. He was a professional gambler. His short memory is not good and he has a hard time getting around his balance is bad. He looks forward to the mail and never gets any, so letters would be a great surprise! 

Please send all letters to:

Dr. Dwight’s Bundle

c/o Sue D.

61 Mink Capitol Terrace

Medford, WI 54451

Becky

A note from Becky’s granddaughter: Becky is just 79 and retired from her business of 35 years! Additionally, she is currently in remission from cancer for the third time and has been such a strong pillar of resilience and perseverance through it all. She has a dog named Oliver, and they do most things together. Especially parks and taking trips to Lowe's! She's been a bit lonely, though, since my Pap's passing 4 years ago now, and would greatly appreciate the love and beauty within the pages of your letters! 

Please send all letters to:

Becky’s Bundle

c/o Heather B.

436 Parker St

Verona, PA 15147

Bill

A note from Bill’s daughter-in-law: Bill is 88 years old and lives in South Florida where he retired with his late wife 30 years ago after living in NYC and working on The NY Stock Exchange as a broker. He grew up in Grosse Pointe, MI and was the first in his family to attend college! He is a proud graduate of Yale where he studied Psychology. Bill enjoys walking around the neighborhood, the daily USA Today crossword puzzle, watching any Nancy Meyers movie, and Downton Abbey. Bill has experienced significant loss over the last few years, first with his beloved wife of forty years and recently his dog. Bill would appreciate hearing from those who can offer uplifting messages filled with hope and love! He and his daughter-in-law recently started writing to elders as part of this program and she sees what a positive impact it has on him to offer words of encouragement to others who need to be reminded they are remembered and loved!

Please send all letters to:

Bill’s Bundle

c/o Lauren C.

PO Box 2377

Palm Beach FL 33480

Hope

A note from Hope’s daughter: Hope shows amazing gentleness, kindness and patience. She doesn't get out of the house much due to finances but she loves to feed stray cats even though she doesn't have much herself. She loves to read, has a pet cat and enjoys cooking! Originally she is from Iowa but now lives in Georgia. She has two children and is a beautiful soul that could really use some letters of love from around the world!

Please send all letters to:

Hope’s Bundle

c/o Neva C. 

86 N Avery Rd NW #10

Rome, GA 30165

Liz

A note from Liz’s daughter: Liz has early onset dementia and is in full time memory care at only 74 years old. I don’t get the chance to visit as often as I’d like to. My mom is the sweetest Christian woman ever. She has sewn, made floral arrangements, and crafted her whole life! She formerly lived on a working ranch in Roundup, MT. She loves stuff from the 50’s & 60’s since that’s where her brain is often. Please send my lonely mama some extra love!

Please send all letters to:

Liz’s Bundle

c/o Holly G. 

822 Selma Ave

Saint Louis, MO 63119

Judie

A note from Judie’s daughter: Judie turned 82 this year. She could use a bit of cheer and connection from kind-hearted strangers. Over the years, she has dedicated herself not just to her family, but to her friends and community in the most tender, loyal ways. In recent years, she became a devoted caregiver to two of her dearest friends. She gave her heart to them, and their loss has left a large space in her life and spirit. Since then, Judie has been navigating loneliness and grief, along with chronic migraines that make daily life more challenging. She’s doing her best to rediscover her sense of purpose and joy, and small gestures of kindness go a long way. She enjoys reading, watching tennis, gardening and her 2 cats! Every week, she still makes it to mass, quietly leaning on her faith. A shower of loving letters from your incredible community would lift her spirits and help ease the loneliness!

Please send all letters to:

Judie’s Bundle

c/o Mickie C. 

5620 Brighton Rose Ln

Sugar Hill, GA 30518

Fern

A note from Fern’s granddaughter: Fern loves to garden and spend time with family. She enjoys reading romance books just like the young girls nowadays! She is Oklahoma born and raised and now lives in Mustang, OK! My grandma has always been a bright light in my family's life and recently has been struggling with taking her daughter to chemo for stage 4 small cell lung cancer. She loves the Lord and gives everyone a smile that she meets. She would love to receive some letters of love! 

Please send all letters to:

Fern’s Bundle

c/o Taylor S.

4321 Foxglove Ln

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Indira and Om

A note from their granddaughter: Indira and Om immigrated from India to be closer to their children, and grandchildren. They lived with family for many years but in recent years have opted to move to an elder facility nearby. Although now they're surrounded by their peers, I know that their routine and language barrier leaves them craving connection. Om speaks English fluently but Indira only knows working English so if anyone speaks Hindi I'm sure they'd extra appreciate it! They would love to receive letters of love from anyone who will send them well wishes!

Please send all letters to:

Indira & Om’s Bundle

c/o Latika G. 

2651 Park Tower Dr Unit 101

Vienna, VA 22180

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

James

A note from James’s neighbor: James is the neighborhood mechanic. He worked for Metro for 35 years and is now retired, but he still works on cars. Everyone in the neighborhood has at one time or another used Mr. James to fix their cars. He was one of the first people to say hello when me and my wife moved to the neighborhood. He always has a smile and is always working on something. He would love to hear from you!

Please send all letters to:

James’s Bundle

c/o Wilbert B.

415 Dateleaf Ave

Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Sereniti

A note from Sereniti’s friend: Sereniti is 91 and is the last of her family here in CA. She is a Marine Corps Veteran and still volunteers for Veterans when she can. She is very spunky and loves music and muscle cars. Ms Estrada was a special mechanic in the military and she still helps mechanics solve problems with military vehicles and civilian vehicles. She also enjoys In and Out, horror movies (especially Elvira), and learning new things. She is always happy to help someone if she can. This young lady has been a joy to work with and there’s always laughs and joy when she’s around! She is looking forward to sharing correspondence with you all!

Please send all letters to:

Sereniti’s Bundle

c/o Carol H.

9623 S Broadway #102

Los Angeles, CA 90003

Joaquin

A note from Joaquin’s daughter: Joaquin turned 86 this year. He lives alone with his 2 dogs. He lost his spouse a few years ago and has been pretty lonely ever since. He loves to read the newspaper! His first language is Spanish, but he also speaks English. He could really use some letters of love to help remind him he is not alone!

Please send all letters to:

Joaquin’s Bundle

c/o Myra R.

68 Little Bend Ct

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Richard

A note from Richard’s daughter: Richard is a retired hippie living in Las Vegas. Originally from New York (Astoria as a kid and Long Island as a teen), he loves seeing live music, playing poker, enjoying the fine dining restaurants in Vegas, and volunteering at the animal shelter. He loves dogs more than anything in the world and his German shepherd Lucy is his best friend! He has 4 granddaughters that he enjoys playing practical jokes on. His favorite bands include the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, the Stones, & Allman Brothers. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last year and severe aortic stenosis. His health really gets him down but he still wants to live a long and healthy life. Monthly chemo for a week at a time can be very hard on him, please send some love his way! 

Please send all letters to:

Richard’s Bundle

c/o Rachel C.

2908 Rothesay Ave

Henderson, NV 89044

Charlene

A note from Charlene’s granddaughter: My grandma turned 94 this year! She owned and operated local grocery stores for over 50 yrs. When she retired at the age of 80, she lost her self worth. Her significant other died 2 years ago and since that moment, she has gone into a depression not wanting to get out of her house. I feel like she has stopped living. She is my hero and I wouldn't be the woman I am today without her! She's so deserving of letters of love as a reminder that she is loved and the world still wants her! 

Please send all letters to:

Charlene’s Bundle

c/o Brianne C.

P.O. Box 93 

Cerro Gordo, IL 61818

Jerry

A note from Jerry’s step-daughter: Jerry is such a cool guy, so smooth and debonair! He was a single father and did a great job raising his two girls. His oldest daughter was like his best friend, always spending time with him, coming to pick him up to grab a bite to eat, or just hanging out watching old westerns with him all day. Recently, her life was tragically taken. Since then, Jerry just hasn't been the same. He tries so hard to be strong, but we can see it has really been weighing on him. Please take a few moments to wish him well and let him know his angels are always with him!

Please send all letters to:

Jerry’s Bundle

c/o Nichole H.

900 Daphia Cir #123

Newport News, VA 23601