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 friendly letters? Are you looking for a virtual Day of Caring project? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in aged care homes in Iowa and across the country.

WHAT WE DO

Were an all-volunteer organization that mails cheerful, personal, handwritten letters and cards to elders in care facilities and senior programs. Since April 2020, our dedicated volunteers have sent countless letters and cards in 30 languages, spreading joy and connection around the globe!

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.)
• 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 volunteer: Writes unique, friendly, conversational letters to connect with the reader and make them feel special. We offer ideas on our blog and social media, along with sample letters below!
• Youll mail your handwritten letters to one of our partner facilities. After you register with us and write some letters, log on to our user portal to choose a destination.
• We operate on a two-week cycle, so please don't sign up for letters until you have the time and supplies to mail them. Every two weeks - August 18, September 1, September 15, September 29, etc. - our mailing list resets, and new requests for letters become available for you to claim.
• Expenses: Postage, writing materials, envelopes. You can send multiple letters in one large envelope to save on postage. We offer a stamp fund for seniors and students (ID required).
• You wont 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 dont 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.
• Focus your message on sharing a bit about yourself to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that these personal stories are their favorite part of the letter!
• Limit affirmations and general well wishes, as they can come across as impersonal when overused.
• Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, holidays, health and politics.
• Keep your message positive!
• While handcrafted cards are welcome, they are not required; your handwritten message is what matters most.
• Our partner facilities in Iowa are requesting letters in English, Greek and Spanish.
• Create a group activity for your friends, employees, co-workers, classroom or club members.
• Team up with a public library to host a letter-writing 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 with us by responding to this opportunity, or you may visit our website at https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose the registration option that applies to you:

• individual
• group
• student (for students and professionals requesting community service hour verification, including student clubs)*

• Contact Lindsay if you have any questions about your event.
• Prepare some tip sheets, instructions, sample letters, writing materials & postage for your group.
• THE FUN PART: 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

If you respond to this opportunity, we'll register you as a volunteer, and Lindsay will email you with details.

*Students and professionals requesting official documentation for community service credit should review our Community Service Guidelines and then complete our Registration Form. Youll work 1:1 with a member of our Student Liaison Team. You will be asked to submit photos of your work for verification. We award one hour of community service credit for every four letters written & sent that meet our guidelines.

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