Volunteer from Home - Friendly Letter Writer

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

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone’s day? Do you have a knack for writing heartfelt letters? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in aged care homes across the US and around the world with your handwritten letters.

WHAT WE DO

We’re an all-volunteer organization that mails cheerful, personal, handwritten letters and cards to elders in care facilities and senior programs.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A chance to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of seniors.
• Flexibility to volunteer from anywhere, anytime, year-round as an individual or with a team.
• A special program to verify service hours for students and professionals seeking community service credits. (Separate registration is required.)
• The opportunity for students and seniors to receive stamps through our postage fund. (ID and application required.)
• Tips and guidance for crafting personal and meaningful letters available on our website and social media platforms.
• An inclusive environment where volunteers are encouraged to share their own uplifting stories and experiences without making assumptions about the recipient's background or abilities.
• All ages and abilities are welcome!

IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Ideal candidate: Writes unique, friendly, conversational letters to connect with the reader and make them feel special.
• You’ll mail your handwritten letters to one of our partner facilities.
• Expenses: Postage, writing materials, envelopes. You can send multiple letters in one large envelope to save on postage.
• You won’t know the name of the reader. Address letters as “Dear Friend.”
• This is not a pen pal program; while you may occasionally receive a response, most seniors don’t have the physical ability or resources to write back to you.
• We have no staff, physical office, or phone. Please email volunteer Lindsay for support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Join our team of volunteers and commit to writing letters on an ongoing basis.
• While handcrafted cards are welcome, they are not required; your handwritten message is what matters most.
• Limit affirmations and general wishes, as they can come across as impersonal when overused.
• Focus on sharing a bit about yourself to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that this personal part is their favorite!
• Our partner facilities are requesting letters in an ever-changing number of different languages, including Arabic, Assyrian, Bengali, Cantonese, Croatian, Dari, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Pashto, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog , Telugu, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
• Create a group activity for your friends or coworkers.
• Partner with a public library or service organization to host an event.
• Post our flyer on social media and community bulletin boards at libraries, cafes, bookstores, stationery and craft stores, and apartment complexes.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US

• Make a direct and tangible difference in the lives of seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive community dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion.
• Experience connection and satisfaction that comes from knowing your words have the power to bring joy and comfort to someone you've never met.

GET STARTED

• Register on our website as an individual, student, or group to receive our weekly newsletter with updates and access to our web portal.
• Write some friendly letters. When you're ready to mail them, log into our web portal and choose a destination facility.
• Connect with us on social media: LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook

Join us in spreading kindness and smiles to senior citizens. Your words will make all the difference!