Every year, more than 3.3 million seniors spend time in senior homes across the United States. It’s estimated that 60% of them will never receive visitors, and in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, that number will near 100%. Through this virtual card making and letter writing experience, you can do your part to alleviate the effects of social isolation for seniors living in residential care. For many recipients, these cards will be their only connection to the world outside of their room.

To participate, your team will gather on a video call to create cheerful cards and/or letters together. The organization’s Founder and CEO can also join in order to share more about their mission and how your heartfelt letters will make a difference in people's lives. You’re welcome to use colored pencils, markers, pens, branded stationery, lined paper, or plain white printing paper. It’s not about the stationery—it’s the messages that are written that mean so much!

What you need:

• Stationary (or a blank piece of paper) and an envelope
• Pen or pencil
• A postage stamp
• Craft supplies and decorations (optional)
   

How it works:

• Start each letter with the salutation: “To my dear friend"
• Write large so the seniors can read your messages without assistance
• Share positive messages that will brighten their day or something fun going on with you
• Can’t find the words? Consider a drawing or painting 
• Closing: Include your first name and location (and for kids, their age)
• Delivery:
  • Snail mail: Share the number of notes written via the organization's tracking
    system to receive a mailing address of a senior home that requested notes
  • Share via social media and tag the organization and #MyDearFriend
  • Upload notes digitally to the organization's website