Virtual Volunteer: Handwrite friendly letters to senior citizens!

SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE: BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you enjoy writing friendly letters and want to join a virtual project? Are you looking for a team project or a meaningful event activity? Become a volunteer and make a meaningful difference for seniors in care homes and programs!

WHAT WE DO

We’re a volunteer-run organization sending cheerful, personal, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters to seniors in Australia, Canada, the US and the UK. Since April 2020, we’ve delivered joy in over 30 languages worldwide!

WHAT WE OFFER

➙ A chance to brighten a senior’s day.

➙ Flexible volunteering from anywhere, anytime, year-round.

➙ Community service hour verification for students (separate registration required).

➙ Tips for writing meaningful letters.

➙ An inclusive environment welcoming all ages and abilities.

IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

➙ Write friendly, one-of-a-kind letters addressed to a “Friend.”

➙ Mail your letters to our partner facilities.

➙ Commit to a destination facility only after your letters are ready to mail.

➙ Facilities list refreshes every two weeks with new requests.

➙ Expenses include postage, writing materials, and envelopes (send multiple letters in one envelope to save on postage).

➙ Not a pen pal program—most seniors cannot reply.

➙ LAI has no staff, physical office or phone.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

➙ Commit to writing letters regularly. Quality over quantity.

➙ Share personal stories to make your letters unique.

➙ Avoid sensitive topics like religion, health, politics and holidays.

➙ Focus on positivity and connection.

➙ Write in English or 30+ other languages, including Chinese, Italian and Tamil.

➙ Handcrafted cards are welcome but not required. Your handwritten message matters most!

➙ Organize group letter-writing activities or events with friends, coworkers, schools or libraries.

➙ Spread the word to friends, family and local senior centers.

➙ Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US?

➙ Send smiles to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

➙ Be part of a compassionate, inclusive community.

➙ Experience the satisfaction of knowing your words make a difference.

JOIN US IN SPREADING KINDNESS AND SMILES TO SENIORS. YOUR WORDS WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write about?

Think of your letter as a friendly conversation. Share personal stories, hobbies, or a favorite memory. Avoid sensitive topics like religion, politics, holidays, health and mobility. Asking a question demonstrates an interest in the reader, gives them something to think about and inspires conversation.

Where do I mail my letters?

After registering, check your welcome email for portal access instructions. If you can’t find it, check your junk or promotions folder, or email me for assistance.

Can I mail letters to other countries?

Yes! With facilities in four countries, you’re welcome to choose a destination locally or internationally. Just ensure you use the correct postage for international mail.

What if there are no facilities in the location where I want to write?

Our user portal refreshes every two weeks, so check back at the start of the next cycle. If there are no facilities near you, you can also choose a location in another region or country if mailing farther away is an option.

Do you accept letters in other languages?

Yes! Use the language filter in our user portal to find destinations that accept letters in any of 30 different languages.

Can groups or organizations volunteer? How about teachers and educators?

Absolutely! Whether you’re part of a student club, workplace team, community group or classroom, our resources are designed to support group participation. Start here.

Can I earn community service hours for my letters?

Yes, students can earn 15 minutes of service time per approved letter. Register using the student form and share photos of your letters with your assigned Community Service Liaison. We supervise students who are earning hours toward The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE).

Is there any commitment required to volunteer?

No, there’s no commitment until you pledge letters in the user portal. You’re free to write as many or as few letters as you’d like, whenever it suits your schedule.

What happens if I pledge letters but can’t complete them?

Once you pledge letters in the portal, those letters are reserved specifically for you. It’s important to complete and send them so the seniors receive the connections they’re waiting for. If you’re unsure about your availability, it’s best to wait until you’re ready to write before making a pledge.

How do the facilities handle letters?

Each location handles letters differently. Staff often review them to ensure the content is appropriate, and they may try to match letters with individual readers. Some places post letters on bulletin boards, read them as a group activity, distribute them to individuals at mealtimes or place them in baskets for seniors to pick and share. Letters sent to Meals on Wheels programs are typically shared by a volunteer who doesn’t know the recipient. Specific details or requests from facilities may be noted in the user portal.

Will I receive a reply to my letter?

Most seniors aren’t able to reply, but your letter will still mean the world to them. Treat it as a one-time act of kindness that brings joy and connection.

Can my aged care home, senior center or meals on wheels program receive letters?

Please ask a director or manager to register as a care home.