A month or so ago, I was lamenting to good friend and roommate Natasha about how I missed volunteering due to the pandemic. I missed the people contact and serving the local community. Soon after, Natasha sent me a link that would allow me to be a pen pal to an elderly woman in an assisted living or nursing facility.
I let that go at the time for reasons that required justification and laziness.
This past week, I thought about the writing project again, as the colder weather is setting in, so went in search of possible recipients and found the website Write-On. It is a place that anyone can go to and find links to letter-writing communities and organizations, such as:
Love for the Elderly – A group dedicated to providing love and appreciation to elderly people who may not have family to care for them. You are invited to write a kind letter to an elderly person, and Love for the Elderly will deliver it to a senior in need of a little love.
Sunshine Snail Mail – Join Sunshine Snail Mail in sending cards to kids (and sometimes adults), who could use a smile. Most of these kids are battling life-threatening illness, or have suffered great loss. Their stories, photo, and addresses to send snail mail to can be found on their Facebook page.
Joshua 1:9 Mission – Join this non-profit’s effort to bring joy to those battling cancer, by making and sending cards. Joshua 1:9 Mission collects and sends cards weekly to cancer patients around the country.
Personally, I’m interested in “Love for the Elderly,” but will research opportunities locally as well. I have the time and cardstock, so why not?
Kudos to these organizations and the many people who participate in the writing campaigns that bring light and happiness to young and old. No one needs artistic ability or fancy card-making supplies. The best part is what is written inside the card – the sharing of self, heartfelt words, and the kindness mailed to its recipient.
In this time of pandemic, illness, and isolation, the love of a card or letter shines through and brings joy to those who need it most.
The “We are the World” Blogfest is in its third year of a heartfelt journey. This blogfest’s goal is to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. This month’s co-hosts, Lizbeth Hartz, Inderpreet Uppal, Shilpa Garg, Damyanti Biswas, and Roshan Radhakrishnan welcome participants and encourage all to join in during future months. #WATWB is a blog hop on the last Friday of every month. Click HERE to check out the intention and rules of the blogfest and feel free to sign up at any time. You are always welcome!
Please SIGN UP for WE ARE THE WORLD BLOGFEST in the linky list that opens up in a new window:
Click HERE to be part of the Light.
Mary J Melange 
Nice options that will make a big difference with a small effort.
I imagine they do, Judy. I’m anxious to get started on my part of the effort.
Reblogged this on Dreaming Reality and commented:
From my dear blogging friend, Mary. If you want to do something to help, look no further. Pen, paper and genuine expression could make someone’s day! Thanks Mary for the links!
Thanks for the reblog, Cheryl! I hope to get started on writing letters this week.
This is terrific Mary. Of course I cannot participate from where I am right now but I reblogged this on DreamingReality so that others might join in. 🤗
Thanks Cheryl, I appreciate the sentiment and the share so that others can consider writing.
👍🏻💕Spread the love..
What a great idea. I would imagine a hand written card or note could bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Absolutely, Dan. I can’t imagine that anyone would not accept a little love, even if it comes from a stranger.
Mary J, these are wonderful ideas. I never thought about there being organizations to facilitate this kind of effort. Thanks for sharing and including the links. Hugs on the wing.
I knew that there were letter writing projects, but not to this extent, and I bet there are even more if I looked hard enough. Hugs back to you!
I’m with Teagan–I would never have thought of there being organizations like this. I love waiting for the mailman to arrive, so imagine someone without family getting a card/letter in the mail. Such a good thing you found, Mary.
I think of the elderly that lived where mom resided and how some relied on people other than family for visits and support. They are the ones that would greatly benefit from cards and letters to brighten their days.
Such a lovely idea Mary, I’ve shared this on Twitter 💞🧡💞
Thank you, Xenia! I’m anxious to get started on the letters. Sending hugs and my wish for a happy Friday!
Thank you Mary, a happy Friday to you too from all of us here 🤗💜 xxx
What a fanastic idea. Thanks for opening us up to these wonderful ideas to help brighten somebody’s day. I will check out the various groups. Thanks again Mary. Happy, safe weekend! 🙂 x
This is a great idea for anyone willing to write a letter from the heart.
Absolutely! 🙂
I miss volunteering too. These are great options. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Jill!
This is amazing. Snail mails do help put a smile! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Damyanti. Time to start writing! 🙂
Mary, this is such a wonderful ministry. I’m sure that especially now during the pandemic this would be super appreciated.
Exactly, Marsha. I hope to start card writing this week and perhaps continue it throughout the year.
That is so cool. I ordered some cards with pictures of our new neighborhood through Vista Print so that I could send thank you notes to all the wonderful people who helped us while we were moving. Once I get through that list, this year will be over! If you are a photographer, you might want to sell customized greeting cards to those who volunteer. I promote hobby blogging, but ordering cards online might be a service that people in that ministry might like from a fellow letter writer.
Thanks for the links! I am an avid card sender, knowing that people really appreciate a note in the mail. I’ll check out that Love for the Elderly link/
You’re welcome, Laurie! And I’m sure that the recipient of your cards will appreciste them.
Thanks for this info! I may give Love for the Elderly some attention.
You’re welcome! We can honor our mothers with a few thoughtful letters. 🙂❤
Exactly! Plus I connect best with the elderly. 🤷🏽♀️