Caring Messages to our Elders

Caring Messages to our Elders

Help ensure our elders receive positive, caring message!
WHAT: Elders in our community are especially vulnerable to isolation. A warm, handwritten letter can make their day. Help us share kindness and connection with elders that can help improve their well-being by writing caring messages.

How this works:
1. 1. Volunteers write letters according to the criteria listed below and in the caring message guide. These are not personalized to a specific person
2. Volunteers will get these letters to us by:
  - Scanning or taking a quality picture of their letter and email of their letters and send this/these to caringmessages@acrs.org (see tips for making image look as good as possible when digitized)
  - E-mailing a letter done in MS Word or .ppt
  - Mailing the letters to:
    
    ATTN Caring Messages. 3639 Martin Luther King Junior Way S., Seattle WA 98144 [we can't reimburse for postage, but this is a great way to also support the post office]
  - You’re welcome to upload to this google drive:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ouNivDqueq0t9FQcSnhdpKU4xvgtOGeP?usp=sharing
3. ACRS will prepare each letter and place them in the food bags that are going to our elderly clients.
- Criteria for Letters (see more here!):
  - One page is great
  - Postcards or letters are fine
  - Please use proper spelling, grammar, and syntax to the best of your ability
  - Letters should be legible and if it helps, you're absolutely welcome to type on a computer (handwritten letters have a special element to them, but printed letters can also be made to feel very special).
  - No postage and no envelope necessary (envelopes are sometimes fun to open).
  - Please do not seal the envelope.
  - Assume your letter will be ready by ACRS staff.
  - Absolutely can be written in an API language (Chinese, Vietnamese esp.) but write an English version as well as right now we can't control which client they go to.
  - Please refrain from putting in any religious, or political views.
  - Please refrain from sharing your full name, address, email address, phone number, or very specific identifying information.
  *KINDLY NOTE THAT CARING MESSAGES CANNOT BE COUNTED FOR ANY SCHOOL OR COURT ORDERED SERVICE AS ACRS HAS NOW WAY TO VERIFY HOW MUCH TIME YOU SPENT ON THE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY.
- Tips for letters
  - At least one page (6 - 12 sentences) will make it seem more special and unique.
  - You are welcome to write in an API language. Please also write in English.
  - Think about what you would like to receive
  - You can ask prompting questions
  - Share something about your day or something positive
  - You can also validate how challenging things may be right now
  - See more here!
- Name*
  
  First NameLast Name
- Email*
  example@example.com
- How many weeks can you commit to writing letters?*
  
  146812More than 12Other
- How many letters can you plan on writing each week? *
  Can be a rough estimate between 4 and 50
- Do you plan on dropping off the letters or sending a digital version to us?*
  
  I will drop off or mail the letters to ACRS (further drop off information will be shared)I will send a digital copy to CaringMessages@acrs.orgI will mail the messages to ACRS - ATTN Caring Messages. 3639 Martin Luther King Junior Way S., Seattle WA 98144 [we can't reimburse for postage, but this is a great way to also support the post office]
- Do you plan on writing letters in an AAPI language?*
  
  YesNoMaybe
- What Language(s)
  And please remember to also write the message in English on the same physical letter
- Group you're part of (if applicable)?
- By participating in the Caring Messages program, I agree to abide by the following:*
  
  I will write in a caring, kind and positive fashionI will write at least 6 sentences per letter and ensure they are legible.I will do my best to use proper spelling, grammar, and syntax.I know that ACRS staff might read letters I write.I will refrain from putting in any religious, or political viewpoints.I will not share full name.I will not share identifying information of myself or others.I will not try to contact the elders I write (via this program).Exclude the date (day, month, and year).
- Should be Empty: