Not long ago, I stumbled upon a beautiful corner of the internet that stopped me in my tracks and warmed me to the core. It’s called Love for Our Elders, a nonprofit organization on a heartfelt mission to fight loneliness among seniors through—you guessed it—good, old-fashioned handwritten letters.
My Letter to Barbara
In a world dominated by instant messaging and fast-scrolling feeds, this initiative feels like a soft, handwritten rebellion. A tender reminder that connection doesn’t have to be high-tech to be high-impact.
Why Letters Matter
Loneliness is a quiet crisis, especially among the elderly. Some seniors go days, even weeks, without meaningful interaction. But you know what they do have? A mailbox. And that’s where you and I come in.
Love for Our Elders makes it easy for anyone—kids, teens, adults, seasoned snail-mailers or curious first timers to send handwritten letters to real people who could use a little extra sunshine in their lives.
Each month, they publish short bios of elders from around the country who would love to receive mail. Their stories are moving, relatable, and rich with humanity—grandparents, crocheters, veterans, dog lovers, gardeners, jigsaw puzzle champions, and quiet souls just needing a reminder that they matter.
I’m Writing to Barbara—and More
This month, I’ve committed to writing a letter to Barbara, a fellow dog-lover who can no longer travel like she used to due to declining health. Her niece says she’d love to hear stories about pets and travel, and photos might even earn a spot on her fridge. You already know I’m up for that challenge!
But I couldn’t stop there. Reading about Nancy, Judy, Bell, Rafa, Charles… I felt compelled to write to several more. I mean, how could I not? Each person’s story is a thread in the fabric of humanity, and even one letter could be a small patch of comfort and joy.
How You Can Get Involved
Writing a letter might feel a little intimidating at first. What do you say to someone you don’t know? But think of it as a friendly chat with a neighbor. Share a little about yourself. Tell a funny story. Ask about their hobbies. Toss in a riddle or a doodle. The only rules? Be kind, be genuine, and make it legible (big print is best). And definitely no glitter—we want smiles, not sparkly messes.
To Get Started:
- Visit loveforourelders.org
- Read the monthly bios under “Letter Requests” in the Write a Letter Tab
- Pick an elder (or a few!) to write to
- Follow the simple guidelines
- Mail your letter before the end-of-month deadline
That’s it. No sign-up forms. No fees. Just pure human connection.
This Is Your Sign
Whether you’re a seasoned letter-writer or someone who hasn’t touched a stamp in years, this is your invitation. Dust off that stationery. Grab a pen. Channel your kindness. And write a letter.
If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll join me. Let’s flood a few mailboxes with love this month. Choose a name, write from the heart, and help remind someone—maybe several someones—that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Because one letter might not change the world…
…but it could absolutely change someone’s world.
CALL TO ACTION:
Who will you write to this month?
Visit loveforourelders.org to choose an elder, then let your words do some good.
Tag your letter-writing journey with #LetterToAnElderDay or leave a comment below telling me who you wrote to—I’d love to cheer you on!
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