Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of the Blue Mountains

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 nonprofit bringing joy to seniors in aged care homes and community 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!

You can get started by responding to our current needs in the United Way portal, but volunteers will also need to register on our website to gain access to the active letter requests from our partner facilities. Register to volunteer, sign up your senior program to receive letters or learn more about our work:

Sign Up to Write Letters Register a Care Facility Read the FAQ 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 from our list of active requests This is a one-way act of kindness—most seniors aren’t able to write back

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 and appreciated Independent: We’re volunteer-run—no phone or office Organized: Follow our step-by-step pledge process Low Cost: You’ll provide postage, paper, and envelopes Student Service Hours: Available through our student program  OREGON-BASED OUTREACH

We’re actively expanding our outreach in the Blue Mountain area and would love your help! If you know a care facility, senior center, or Meals on Wheels program that might want to receive letters, please share this link with a staff member:

www.lettersagainstisolation.com/care-homes

Please don’t sign up on behalf of a location. A program director or staff member must complete the form directly.

Sample Letters from Oregon Students .lai-button { background-color: #2e5948; color: white; padding: 10px 18px; margin: 8px; border: none; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-family: sans-serif; font-weight: bold; display: inline-block; } .lai-button:hover { background-color: #214034; } .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); } @media (max-width: 600px) { .letter-gallery { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; } }