Opportunities From: United Way of Passaic County

Volunteer: Volunteer from Home: Write Friendly Letters to Seniors!


SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE: BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you enjoy writing friendly letters and want to join a virtual project? Are you looking for a team project or a meaningful event activity? Become a volunteer and make a meaningful difference for seniors in care homes and programs here in Passaic County and across the globe.

WHAT WE DO 

We’re a volunteer-run organization sending cheerful, personal, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters to seniors in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. Since April 2020, we’ve delivered joy in over 30 languages worldwide!


WHAT WE OFFER

➙ A chance to brighten a senior’s day.

➙ Flexible volunteering from anywhere, anytime, year-round.

➙ Community service hour verification for students (separate registration required).

➙ Tips for writing meaningful letters.

➙ An inclusive environment welcoming all ages and abilities.


IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

➙ Write friendly, one-of-a-kind letters addressed to a “Friend.”

➙ Mail your letters to our partner facilities.

➙ Commit to a destination facility only after your letters are ready to mail.

➙ Facilities list refreshes every two weeks with new requests.

➙ Expenses include postage, writing materials, and envelopes (send multiple letters in one envelope to save on postage).

➙ Not a pen pal program—most seniors cannot reply.

➙ LAI has no staff, physical office or phone.


HOW YOU CAN HELP

➙ Commit to writing letters regularly. Quality over quantity.

➙ Share personal stories to make your letters unique.

➙ Avoid sensitive topics like religion, health, politics and holidays.

➙ Focus on positivity and connection.

➙ Write in English or 30+ other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Bengali, German, Greek, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese and Ukrainian.

➙ Handcrafted cards are welcome but not required. Your handwritten message matters most!

➙ Organize group letter-writing activities or events with friends, coworkers, schools or libraries.

➙ Spread the word to friends, family and local senior centers.

➙ Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.


WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US? 

➙ Send smiles to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

➙ Be part of a compassionate, inclusive community.

➙ Experience the satisfaction of knowing your words make a difference.


GET STARTED 

➙ Visit https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, or STUDENT registration.

➙ Students seeking service credit: Review our guidelines, complete the student registration form and submit photos of your letters for verification. Earn one hour of credit for every four approved letters.

* Note: to participate in this opportunity, please "Respond" here on volunteerpassaic.org AND register as a volunteer on our website. Reach out to Lindsay with any questions. Thanks!

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

Agency: Letters Against Isolation


SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE: BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you enjoy writing friendly letters and want to join a virtual project? Are you looking for a team project or a meaningful event activity? Become a volunteer and make a meaningful difference for seniors in care homes and programs here in Passaic County and across the globe.

WHAT WE DO 

We’re a volunteer-run organization sending cheerful, personal, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters to seniors in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. Since April 2020, we’ve delivered joy in over 30 languages worldwide!


WHAT WE OFFER

➙ A chance to brighten a senior’s day.

➙ Flexible volunteering from anywhere, anytime, year-round.

➙ Community service hour verification for students (separate registration required).

➙ Tips for writing meaningful letters.

➙ An inclusive environment welcoming all ages and abilities.


IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

➙ Write friendly, one-of-a-kind letters addressed to a “Friend.”

➙ Mail your letters to our partner facilities.

➙ Commit to a destination facility only after your letters are ready to mail.

➙ Facilities list refreshes every two weeks with new requests.

➙ Expenses include postage, writing materials, and envelopes (send multiple letters in one envelope to save on postage).

➙ Not a pen pal program—most seniors cannot reply.

➙ LAI has no staff, physical office or phone.


HOW YOU CAN HELP

➙ Commit to writing letters regularly. Quality over quantity.

➙ Share personal stories to make your letters unique.

➙ Avoid sensitive topics like religion, health, politics and holidays.

➙ Focus on positivity and connection.

➙ Write in English or 30+ other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Bengali, German, Greek, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese and Ukrainian.

➙ Handcrafted cards are welcome but not required. Your handwritten message matters most!

➙ Organize group letter-writing activities or events with friends, coworkers, schools or libraries.

➙ Spread the word to friends, family and local senior centers.

➙ Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.


WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US? 

➙ Send smiles to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

➙ Be part of a compassionate, inclusive community.

➙ Experience the satisfaction of knowing your words make a difference.


GET STARTED 

➙ Visit https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, or STUDENT registration.

➙ Students seeking service credit: Review our guidelines, complete the student registration form and submit photos of your letters for verification. Earn one hour of credit for every four approved letters.

* Note: to participate in this opportunity, please "Respond" here on volunteerpassaic.org AND register as a volunteer on our website. Reach out to Lindsay with any questions. Thanks!

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

Agency: Letters Against Isolation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 07470

Allow Groups: Yes