Question 1

Am I able to get volunteer hours if I sign up to the program?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Please ensure that you check the box upon sign-up so you can receive hours with participation in our program.

Question 2

How many volunteer hours will I receive for each letter?

Accepted Answer

Each letter is equivalent to 1 hour of volunteer service.  However you need to write at least six consecutive letters to receive volunteer hours from the program.

Question 3

Is there a time/number of letter commitment for the program?

Accepted Answer

You will be required to write a minimum of six letters throughout your time with the program.

Question 4

Is there a minimum or maximum length required for the letters?

Accepted Answer

The letters should have a minimum of 20 sentences, with an average of 15-20 words each.

Question 5

Am I only able to write a letter to one resident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since the program is only open to 50 individuals right now, you may only sign up once to be paired with one pen pal.  However, in the future we hope you can have as many pen pals as you would feel comfortable with.

Question 6

Am I able to send small gifts to my pen pal?

Accepted Answer

Gifts sent to a penpal are the responsibility of the sender (i.e., postage) and are not required. *Please note: food items will not be accepted.

Question 7

Can all my cards have the same message or design?

Accepted Answer

Up to five cards can have the same message or design.

Question 8

Will I receive a handwritten letter in return?

Accepted Answer

Yes! As you are required to send in a minimum of six letters, you will also receive a minimum of six handwritten letters from the senior you have written to.

Question 9

Can I send my letters directly to my pen pal instead of sending them to Sending Sunshine?

Accepted Answer

For logistical reasons, we ask that our pen pal volunteers send all their letters to us. However, there are specific situations where you can send your letters directly to your pen pal. Please email us to see if this applies to you.

Question 10

How will I know if my letter was received?

Accepted Answer

We will send a confirmation email each time we receive your letter.

Sending

Sunshine

Pen Pal Program

In the meantime, we recommend participating in our Senior Nomination Program, where you can write to a specific senior currently featured through our website.

Wondering how your letter gets to a senior living in a care facility?
Here's how it works:

Register as a letter writer here and wait for our confirmation email and instructions.

Handwrite your letter and mail it to the address provided in the confirmation email.

The letter is received by a partnered care facility and distributed to a specific resident looking for a pen pal.

The resident responds to the letter and sends it directly to you!

Receive that letter, and send a letter back in response!

Can I earn volunteer hours if I contribute to the Pen Pal Program?

Does I have to handwrite letters to my pen pal?

Is there a minimum length required for the letters?

How many letters will I need to write?

I want to write letters to multiple residents. Is that possible?

Can I send a small gift with my letter to a pen pal?

Will I receive a handwritten letter in return?

What makes a good letter?

There's an art to good letter writing, and that work of art starts with you!

One letter or card made from 8.5 x 11’’ blank paper, cardstock, or stationery

(Avoid writing on lined paper, or paper with a three-hold punch.)

Neat, legible, and large handwriting

Writing in pen, marker, and/or pencil crayon

A complete page of writing (minimum 20 sentences)

Paragraph breaks, to allow the letter to be read more easily

What should I write?

All seniors would love to hear from you. Here's some prompts on where to start!

Open with a greeting and a self introduction.

Write about your day, your interests, or a new hobby.

Ask questions for your pen pal to respond to.

Share anecdotes from your life.

Sign the letter with your name.

First time card writer?

Card Guidelines · Letter Content · Community Examples

Pen Pal Program

In the meantime, we recommend participating in our Senior Nomination Program, where you can write to a specific senior currently featured through our website.

Wondering how your letter gets to a senior living in a care facility? Here's how it works:

Register as a letter writer here and wait for our confirmation email and instructions.

Handwrite your letter and mail it to the address provided in the confirmation email.

The letter is received by a partnered care facility and distributed to a specific resident looking for a pen pal.

The resident responds to the letter and sends it directly to you!

Receive that letter, and send a letter back in response!

Can I earn volunteer hours if I contribute to the Pen Pal Program?

Does I have to handwrite letters to my pen pal?

Is there a minimum length required for the letters?

How many letters will I need to write?

I want to write letters to multiple residents. Is that possible?

Can I send a small gift with my letter to a pen pal?

Will I receive a handwritten letter in return?

What makes a good letter?

There's an art to good letter writing, and that work of art starts with you!

One letter or card made from 8.5 x 11’’ blank paper, cardstock, or stationery

(Avoid writing on lined paper, or paper with a three-hold punch.)

Neat, legible, and large handwriting

Writing in pen, marker, and/or pencil crayon

A complete page of writing (minimum 20 sentences)

Paragraph breaks, to allow the letter to be read more easily

What should I write?

All seniors would love to hear from you. Here's some prompts on where to start!

Open with a greeting and a self introduction.

Write about your day, your interests, or a new hobby.

Ask questions for your pen pal to respond to.

Share anecdotes from your life.

Sign the letter with your name.

First time card writer?

Card Guidelines · Letter Content · Community Examples

Wondering how your letter gets to a senior living in a care facility?
Here's how it works: