Group collects letters to send to senior citizens who may be lonely
If you're looking for an act of "quarantine kindness," a nonprofit is here to help. Love for the Elderly started sending handwritten letters to senior citizens long before the coronavirus outbreak, but their mission is especially poignant in the era of social distancing.
Elderly residents have been encouraged to maintain the most distance amid the pandemic, which may lead to loneliness and feelings of isolation.
However, if you want to help bridge the distance, Love for the Elderly continues to collect letters and video messages to share with residents at senior communities.
"We are still accepting letters amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC, World Health Organization, and Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail," the organization wrote on its website.
“Thank you for supporting our elders during this critical effort to fight loneliness. Physical isolation is important for public health right now, but our elders deserve to feel supported, too.”
The nonprofit is also asking for the public to consider donating to their efforts to keep the program up and running.
If you want to send a letter to a senior citizen, here’s how to participate, according to Love for the Elderly:
- Letters should be handwritten in large, legible writing. Your card can be as creative and artistic as you want.
- The nonprofit asks participants to avoid using religious language.
- Don't include a date on your letter.
- Messages should be thoughtful and kind. Keep in mind that the letters are a one-way exchange, so you will not receive a response.
- Put your letter in an envelope. If you are sending more than one letter, you can put your enveloped letters unsealed and unstamped in a larger envelope or box.
When you’re ready to mail, send to:
Love For The Elderly
P. O. Box 24248
Cleveland, OH 44124
USA
