Become a Pen Pal for Life

Social isolation caused by the Covid pandemic has been difficult for everyone in our community. But the isolation has been especially hard for senior citizens in nursing homes who are unable to see family and friends during this difficult time.

Two Scarsdale students, Matthew and Jordan Knispel are leading the effort to help seniors in our community. The program is called Pen Pals For Life and its mission is to create connections between school-aged children and senior citizens who may feel isolated during this time.

Explaining the mission Matthew says, “As a teenager I am very lucky to have my parents and sister with me every day. But so many people are not as fortunate. When my Grandma was living in a local nursing home we visited her several times a week. When social distancing began I immediately thought of the residents in nursing homes and how lonely this would be for them. Feeling connected is now more important than ever and I am very happy to be able to bring this program to New York and help our local community.”

PenPalsForLife.com allows students and adults to sign up to become a pen pal. Each participant will be assigned an email address where they can send communications to their Senior Pen Pal. The goal is to write two letters a week to the senior during this time of social distancing. In some cases, the senior may be able to write back and in some cases, they may not. But either way, they hope that sharing stories, jokes, pictures or just a note of friendship will be uplifting and heartwarming to those elderly people alone in their communities and homes. They also believe it will be fulfilling and meaningful to the participants who choose to volunteer.

Students can send a letter, a picture, or even a short video clip to their assigned senior to brighten their day and let them know they are not alone.

Here’s an example of a recent letter:

Hi Samuel,
My name is Austin and I am in 9th grade. I am 15 years old and I love to play basketball. It's been challenging because I haven't been able to play with my friends during this time. My favorite subject in school is Spanish. Como estas?? I've been spending my days doing my schoolwork and playing my video games. When the weather is nice, I go bike riding and play with my basketball hoop outside.

I hope you are well and staying healthy. I am thinking about you and your family during this difficult time. Maybe one day, we could meet and I could get to know you better. Here's a joke: What do you give a sick lemon? Lemon aid!!!
Take care!!

Austin

Sign up here to become a Pen Pal for Life!