Opportunities From: United Way of the Plains Volunteer Center

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! Sample letters from student volunteers in Kansas .letter-gallery { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 16px; padding: 20px; } .letter-gallery img { max-width: 250px; width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; border-radius: 4px; box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); } .letter-gallery img.rotated { transform: rotate(90deg); max-width: 375px; display: block; margin: 20px auto; } @media (max-width: 600px) { .letter-gallery { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; } .letter-gallery img.rotated { max-width: 90vw; } }

Do you have a connection to a local nursing home, hospice, assisted living facility, Meals on Wheels program, or senior center? We'd love your help spreading the word!

Letters Against Isolation is a volunteer-run nonprofit that coordinates volunteers to mail friendly, handwritten letters to seniors facing social isolation. We're hoping to extend our outreach in Kansas and create more opportunities for United Way of the Plains volunteers.

If you know a facility that might want to receive letters, please share this link:

www.lettersagainstisolation.com/care-homes

Please don't sign up on behalf of a location; a director or manager from the facility must complete the form. If you’re reaching out, only contact a facility you know personally—such as one you’ve volunteered with, worked at, or where a friend or relative lives.

You can also pass along our press release with more information.

If you're personally interested in writing letters, check out our United Way of the Plains volunteer listing.

Seniors are also welcome to join us as letter writers! If you—or someone you know—might enjoy writing to brighten another senior’s day, we’d love to have you as part of our community.

Thanks for helping us deliver more smiles to seniors’ mailboxes!

Sample letters from student volunteers in Kansas .letter-gallery { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 16px; padding: 20px; } .gallery-img { max-width: 250px; width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; border-radius: 4px; box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); } .gallery-img.rotated { transform: rotate(90deg); max-width: 375px; display: block; margin: 20px auto; /* force it to break from the flex row and center */ } @media (max-width: 600px) { .letter-gallery { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; } .gallery-img.rotated { max-width: 90vw; } }