Pen pal volunteer programs you can join today

Posted March 2021

It’s no news that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to feel isolated and alone. Even a simple phone call or letter can help brighten someone’s day. These pen pal programs are perfect for those interested in forming long-term relationships and helping out their community on-person at a time.

Make sure you register on the Global Days of Service website before starting a project so that you are counted as a volunteer.

Become an inter-generational care buddy

Adopt a Grandparent is a campaign to bring a sense of comfort to young people and the elderly who may not have grandparents/grandchildren of their own, with the aim of creating long-lasting intergenerational friendships. Once paired with a Grandma or Grandpa, volunteers can have phone/video calls with them, send cheerful stories/poems/pictures through mail or email, or send postcards. Register here

Call to Care was started in February of 2020 to provide elders with care buddies to check in on them during the time of social distancing. Care buddies are inter-generational pen pals who can give each other a sense of safety, community, and purpose in this time of isolation. They make each other laugh, share worries, exchange family recipes, or talk about their favorite shows. Register here

Connect with a veteran

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many veterans in Boston. In an effort to support them during this time of social distancing, the City of Boston has created a pen pal program for veterans. Help veterans by talking on the phone or corresponding with them through mail. Register here

Write a letter to a woman in need

The Letter Project supports a community of women who build each other up through collaboration and shared confidence. Currently, more than 4,500 women from 6 continents participate in writing letters to young women who are going through difficult life transitions or are experiencing tough situations. Sign up to receive a weekly email with letter requests, and choose which ones you’d like to write a letter to. You can write as much as you’d like, as often as you’d like. Register here

How to register

The Global Days of Service site works similarly to an e-commerce website as it allows you to individually add projects to your shopping cart. To checkout, please click on the shopping cart displayed on the right-hand side.