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 team project? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in aged care homes here in Albuquerque, across the United States and worldwide.

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. 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!
• You’ll 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 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.
• 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 New Mexico are requesting letters in English 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.
• 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 

*Students and professionals requesting official documentation for community service credit should review our Community Service Guidelines and then complete our Registration Form. You’ll 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!

SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE:

WRITE A LETTER TO A SENIOR CITIZEN

Are you someone who loves writing thoughtful, upbeat letters? Want to volunteer from wherever you live, work, or play?

Turn your small talk into connection. A simple, sincere letter can brighten a senior’s day more than you know.

Join Letters Against Isolation, a volunteer-run project bringing joy to seniors in aged care homes and programs across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. Since 2020, our volunteers have mailed over one million cheerful, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters in dozens of languages!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Write friendly, personal letters addressed to a “Friend”
• Share a little about your life, a story, or a hobby—keep it light and conversational
• Mail your completed letters to a senior care facility or program from our list of active requests
• That’s it! Most seniors aren’t able to reply, so think of this as a one-time act of kindness

This is not a pen pal or greeting card program. Your words are what matter most!

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Flexible: Write any time, from anywhere
• Meaningful: Every letter is read, appreciated, and cherished
• Independent: We don’t have an office or phone—just an amazing online volunteer community
• Structured: Follow our step-by-step process to match your letters with active requests
• Low Cost: Volunteers provide postage, envelopes, and writing materials
• Student service hours: Available through our student program. Register to work one-on-one with a Community Service Liaison as you write

NEXT STEPS

Visit lettersagainstisolation.com and choose your option from the top of the page:

• → Individual
• → Student
• → Group
• → Educator

QUESTIONS?

Check out our FAQ for details on mailing, group participation, service hours, and more.

Your words will make all the difference. Join us today and help spread joy... one letter at a time!