Writing Letters*
Everyone loves to receive letters, especially to let them know that they are valued and loved. To combat loneliness, many care facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals are welcoming cards, drawings, and letters from the public. Writing a letter only takes a few minutes, but its effects last much longer. By simply writing a letter, poem, story, or joke, you can lift the spirits of individuals battling social isolation. And, for the writer, the process of writing can be mindful and cathartic--both very much needed in this stressful time. Making a difference can be so simple, yet it can be incredibly impactful!
Here is a selection of organizations actively soliciting cards, letters, or drawings right now, but you can check with local organizations too.
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VITAS Healthcare: Provider of end-of-life care located in Encino, CA.
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Mail letters to:
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VITAS Healthcare
Attn: Lori Netzen
16830 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 315
Encino, CA 91436
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Hamilton Home: Assisted living facility in Redlands, CA
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Mail Letters to:
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940 Stillman Ave.
Redlands, CA 92374
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Jasmine Terrace: Assisted living facility in Pasadena, CA
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Jasmine Terrace is requesting letters of encouragement to their staff as well as patients
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Mail letters to:
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Jasmine Terrace
245 South El Molino Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
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Love for the Elderly: A group dedicated to providing love and appreciation to elderly people who may not have family to care for them.
If you’re at a loss for words, visit Emily McDowell’s Website to help you find the right words for people experiencing major illness, grief, and loss. You can support the work of Emily McDowell by buying a hilarious empathy card to send to a loved one, a coworker, or a patient, or buy an Everyday Bravery pin for yourself.
Feeling Crafty?
Heart Embroidered Letters
Heart Touch volunteer and facilitator, Marci Boudreau, walks you through the steps of making beautiful, hand-sewn cards with hearts.
Supplies needed: Thread & needle, “cards”- old postcards, scraps of paper, anything lying around (recycle!)
Origami Letter Heart Folding
A letter, poem, or blessing can be written on the paper prior to folding it into this adorable heart. Hearts can be hung as decorations or put in an envelope and mailed to an organization accepting letters.
*For those concerned that mail could accidentally expose vulnerable individuals to the virus, experts believe that risk is minimal.
The CDC has said there is likely very low risk of transmission of COVID-19 from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks "because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces." The World Health Organization, and Surgeon General have also indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.