Optum, let’s write letters!

Read this month’s bios, review our instructions, 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.

Wanda

A note from Wanda’s granddaughter: Wanda is 92 years old and has recently moved to an assisted living facility with her beloved dog, Blue. She has started adjusting to her new environment and made friends with the staff and the other folks living there. She was born in West Virginia and moved to Kentucky for school and, after college, she got married and had five children. Her family takes pride in her classic way of dress and her superior ability to create a warm and beautiful home with items she gathered from all over the world; she is still welcoming to everyone and always offers a 7-up or ice cream to guests—smiling the whole time. Recently, her memory has started to fail her and she can get quite bored from time to time. Any letters would bring her so much joy!

Please send all letters to:

Wanda’s Bundle

c/o Josee C.

305 Clements Ave

Somerset, KY 42501

Beverly

A note from Beverly’s granddaughter: Beverly is from KC, MO & LOVES the KC Royals! She's also a fan of the KC Chiefs! She moved into assisted living about 2 years ago, after a fall that took away her independence at the age of 89. She just turned 91 & she's still sharp as a tack! She does get lonely though, as her son has passed away and there is no family close by. She has made friends & enjoys playing cards/games & doing any extra events they may have at assisted living! She would greatly benefit from letters of love to help her feel less lonely!

Please send all letters to:

Beverly’s Bundle

c/o Sarah M.

844 Liberty Creek Dr

Wentzville, MO 63385

Chris

A note from Chris’s neighbor: Chris lives directly next door to us. It is truly a gift to know someone as kind-hearted and sweet as her! We like to go over and visit with some of her favorite snacks. She lives alone and truly enjoys watching TV shows, "American Idol" being one of her absolute favorites. Chris is an avid reader, and I humbly believe that she would greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness and love expressed in letters of joy and love to her from you! As we always need to remember our dear neighbors with gentle compassion and care!

Please send all letters to:

Chris’s Bundle

c/o Heather B.

436 Parker Street

Verona, PA 15147

Blaise

A note from Blaise’s son: Blaise is a fantastic woman who has traveled the world with her career, making the world a better place. She’s now retired, disabled and depressed and feels like she doesn’t matter. Please send her letters of love to help her feel like she matters in this world. 

Please send all letters to:

Blaise’s Bundle

c/o Ry R. 

7895 S. Dayton St, Unit 240

Centennial, CO 80112

Patti

A note from Patti’s daughter: Patti is from West Virginia and grew up an only child. Her childhood was very lonely. She married and had 4 kids and lived in Tennessee for some years and now Florida. Most of her family lives far away. She lost her driver's license this year and her independence somewhat. I know she is so lonely and I pick her up often, but every time I check her mail she is disappointed that she has nothing. Please cheer her up with a letter of love. December is her birthday month, she will be 85! She loves animals, used to paint, but really enjoys cooking and canning.

Please send all letters to:

Patti’s Bundle

c/o Natalie E. 

2950 SE Ocean Blvd 117-7

Stuart, FL 34996

Diann

A note from Diann’s granddaughter: Diann is such a sweet, loving, and caring person! She grew up in south Georgia and has lived here ever since. She loves telling stories from the good old days! She has a love for her 5 kids and many grandkids! She recently hasn’t been able to get around much as she is getting older, but she used to sew, make quilts, cook, and do puzzles a lot. She loves going out for sweet treats. She also loves watching game shows, Relative Race, Andy Griffith Show, and Christmas movies! She has been living alone for the past 10 years until recently. She still spends most of her time alone. She would love to hear from you, it would make her day brighter! Also, this is her birth month, so wish her a Happy Birthday too!

Please send all letters to:

Diann’s Bundle

c/o Kaylen W.

2242 Hebron Church Rd

Willacoochee, GA 31650

Debra

A note from Debra’s daughter: Debra loves being outside when the weather is just perfect. She just turned 70 years old and recently lost her dog, who she loved more than anything. She doesn't get a lot of visitors and is lonely. Please send Debra a letter of love to lift her spirits!

Please send all letters to:

Debra’s Bundle

c/o Theresa S.

1821 Kathryn Cir

Eagan, MN 55122

Chita

A note from Chita’s daughter: Chita is 84 years young, a retired registered nurse, who lives in California and loves gardening and cooking for others. She is in her garden everyday and it's what keeps her active and happy. She is a widow (married 50 years) and her children live out of state and visit as often as they can. However, her social circle has been reduced to a few family members. She is the matriarch of the family and deserves to be appreciated and acknowledged for her sacrifice, generosity and commitment to helping others. Chita is one of the most hospitable people you will ever meet and she loves to feed people when they visit. Food is love!

Please send all letters to:

Chita’s Bundle

c/o Liz N.

137 Sycamore Springs Dr.

Statesville, NC 28677

Ed and Cathy

A note from their daughter: Ed and Cathy have a sweet love story. They were in love many years ago. Ed is a Vietnam Vet and was injured pretty badly in the war. Now that he is older, those old injuries cause him a lot of pain. They went their separate ways and had separate lives and marriages, then found their way back to each other 30 years later. They were married in 2001 and love to travel together. They have been to almost all 50 states. Unfortunately, Ed has mobility issues and isn't able to travel anymore. Cathy is the ultimate care giver, not only for him, but in recent years a lot of their family members. Unfortunately, all other family has moved away from the area. They adore their 2 grandsons when they are able to see them, which isn't often enough. Now in their 70's and pretty isolated, they could use some positive energy and smiles, and Cathy in particular needs to feel appreciated and not forgotten. They are devout catholics and watch church service on tv when they aren't able to attend in-person mass.

Please send all letters to:

Ed and Cathy’s Bundle

c/o Meghann F. 

107 Glacier Ct. 

Portland, TN 37148

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

Anne

A note from Anne’s Caregiver: Ms. Anne Rawls is 86 years old and full of warmth and wisdom. She lost her husband, her high school sweetheart, in 2021 and now lives in a loving personal care home. Her lifelong passions are reading and writing—she still reads a full book almost every day. She often reminisces about her days as a pen pal and how much joy it brought her. Though her hands aren’t what they used to be, she still longs for the connection of a handwritten letter. Receiving letters would remind her she’s still seen, valued, and loved.

Please send all letters to:

Anne’s Bundle

c/o Shay M. 

192 Wasatch Peaks Way 

Willis, TX 77378

Janice

A note from Janice’s granddaughter: Janice was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where she still lives today. Growing up, she was the warm, loving, and endlessly creative heart of every holiday—her home always decked out with handmade crafts like little dolls and elves made from wooden clothespins. She made sure “Grandmom’s Candy Kitchen” was fully stocked with special treats for the kids at every celebration. Though she didn’t grow up with much, she always made magic out of very little. She loves Jesus deeply and has one of the most wise and forgiving hearts. Lately she has been losing her sight and is recovering from a broken hip. We can tell it’s really been bringing her spirits down—letters would mean the world to her and brighten her days more than you know.

Please send all letters to:

Janice’s Bundle

c/o Christina J. 

3208 Normandy Woods Dr. Apt. E

Ellicott City, MD, 21043

Sandra

A note from Sandra’s daughter: Sandra is from Maryland and last year she lost her husband of 53 years. She has been struggling with loneliness since. She has been in and out of the hospital after heart surgery and 2 broken hips since he died. She also lost her oldest son unexpectedly in June of last year. She just seems lost and so alone despite the fact her children visit frequently. A reminder that she is loved by strangers would be a great way to lift her spirits.

Please send all letters to:

Sandra’s Bundle

c/o Karen T. 

73 Old Chestnut Rd

Elkton, MD 21921

Kurtis

A note from Kurtis’s friend: Kurt is a veteran who served in the Marines. He is a third generation, retired farmer. He has a history of strokes, which has made it impossible for him to do all things he loved to do. Hunting, farming, gardening, mechanical repairs, farm labor, and driving. Please send him some uplifting letters of love!

Please send all letters to:

Kurtis’s Bundle

c/o Sandy N.

41619 Bedford Dr

Canton Township, MI 48187

Charles

A note from Charles’s granddaughter: Charles lost his wife of 50 years, his beloved Judith, in May. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and family. A proud builder and business owner who is known for his strength, kindness, and the way he quietly takes care of others. As he learns to navigate this new season of life without his lifelong partner, your letters will remind him that he’s still surrounded by love, connection, and purpose—and that the foundation he built continues to stand strong.

Please send all letters to:

Charles’s Bundle

c/o Emma J. 

3112 Bermuda St

Malaga, WA 98828

Bill

A note from Bill’s daughter: Bill likes to fish, drive, and spend time with his family. He is from Wisconsin and currently resides in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He is a Navy veteran from the Korean War, he is very loving and kind. He just turned 93 in June. His health has been relatively good, but has started to decline a bit since Mom died. They were married for 67 years, so he is lonely. A bundle of letters of love would help him feel less like he is not alone in the world.

Please send all letters to:

Bill’s Bundle

c/o Jim B. 

3830 Brookwood Ln

Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Dale

A note from Dale’s granddaughter: Dale celebrated his 92nd birthday this year! His passion is golf as well as cheering on Denver sports teams (Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche).This was his first birthday without my grandma, who passed away recently. They were married 72 years and built a beautiful life together. Grandpa Dale could use some cheer if you would help send some to him.

Please send all letters to:

Dale’s Bundle

c/o Katie B.

14375 W 54th Ave

Arvada, CO 80002

Peggy

A note from Peggy’s friend: Peggy's 90th birthday is this month! She was born in Philadelphia and currently lives in Ridley Park, PA. She has been a widow for 14 years and has 8 great-grandchildren. She recently lost her 65 year old daughter, unexpectedly from a heart attack. This will be her first year of holidays without her and she will definitely need some extra love and support. Peggy is a very fashionable lady who has a wonderful sense of humor, loves watching WWII movies, shopping for handbags, eating seafood, flowers, dogs, and the color pink. She faithfully attends the Saturday evening vigil at her local Catholic church for the past 42 years. Receiving these letters would mean a lot to her and lift her spirits to remind her that she is not alone and is so loved.

Please send all letters to:

Peggy’s Bundle

c/o Mia M. 

101 Colonial Park Drive

Springfield, PA 19064

Pam

A note from Pam’s granddaughter: Pam is one of the kindest, most loving people you'll meet. She has always loved nature, especially gardening with the Hosta Society, and she has a special fondness for plants, frogs, birds, and pretty much any animal that you could imagine. She enjoys baking and is deeply devoted to her Christian faith. Her love for her family runs deep and she's always been a strong, comforting presence in our household. After losing her husband a few years ago and recently being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, life has become a bit more lonely and difficult for her. She would love to have a letter just to brighten her day and remind her that she is not alone.

Please send all letters to:

Pam’s Bundle

c/o Taylor B. 

15203 17th Ave E 

Bradenton FL, 34212

Bob

A note from Bob’s granddaughter: Bob is a Navy veteran. He enjoys watching races on TV. He lives in a town near La Crosse, WI. He doesn't get visitors very often, so he does get lonely. He would really love to get a letter from you, knowing that someone took the time to write one for him would bring him so much joy!

Please send all letters to:

Bob’s Bundle

c/o Ray F. 

W3191 Buol Rd

West Salem, WI 54669

Don

A note from Don’s granddaughter: Don lives in Toivola, Michigan, by himself. He’s 86 and lives in the log home he built by hand many years ago. It can be rather lonely living in a very remote area where he gets over 300 inches of snow each year. Don used to enjoy talking on his ham radio, making homemade guitars, and listening to bluegrass music. My grandma passed away many years ago at a young age, and he never remarried. He has a great sense of humor.  Handwritten letters would be greatly appreciated to cheer him up, and give him something to read through the long winter! 

Please send all letters to:

Don’s Bundle

c/o Bonnie L. 

12851 Krolik Rd

Baraga, MI 49908