HOW TO HELP: Be a pen pal for a West Seattle senior

Here’s something kids can do – adults too – to help seniors, who are isolated more than ever in an attempt to keep them safe. Natalie from The Kenney sent this announcement:

Are you wanting to make a difference and brighten a senior’s day during this difficult time, without much effort or money? We are looking for volunteers to join The Kenney Pen Pal Program. You can connect with our community’s wonderful seniors, whether you’re young or old. You can bring joy and happiness to a resident, while keeping them safe in their apartment at The Kenney!

How to participate:

1. Start by writing a handwritten letter introducing yourself and asking the resident questions about themselves.

2. Mail letter to “My Future Pen Pal” at the address below:

7125 Fauntleroy Way SW
Seattle, WA 98136-2008

3. Please include an address for the resident to mail back their return letter.

4. The Kenney staff will assign each resident wanting to participate a pen pal and will help residents send their letters back out to their pen pals.

We’re building a West Seattle “how to help” list – if you have something for it, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

13 Replies to "HOW TO HELP: Be a pen pal for a West Seattle senior"

  • Help March 20, 2020 (10:10 am)

    Great idea! We will do this today! 

    • Onya March 20, 2020 (1:14 pm)

      I just wrote a card to my future pen pal! What a great suggestion. If there are any other care centers that would like pen pals I am happy to participate. :)

  • TL March 20, 2020 (10:15 am)

    This is a great idea! My grandfather does not live at The Kenney but lives in Highland Park. He is a WWII vet who’s turning 98 next week. Both my mom and myself have cared for him around the clock for the last 5 years and this by far is the most stressful time! Getting the mail in addition to reading the newspaper daily are the highlights of his day and knowing him, he’ll probably cry of happiness at each card/letter received. If your’e willing, please email cellybean@hotmail.com for address! Thanks a million!!

    • Question March 20, 2020 (12:25 pm)

      Question- would you want us to email letters to cut down on potential virus/bacteria contamination, or do you prefer a physical letter complete with envelope? I’d be down for either :)

  • 4thGenWestSide March 20, 2020 (10:46 am)

    Love this.  Will send out today.         

  • jennie March 20, 2020 (10:56 am)

    Great idea! I will do this! Would be a great school assignment for kids who are at home too :)Can you please ask the Kenney to disinfect the envelops and letters before they receive them with a quick wipe just in case.Thanks!

  • Kalo March 20, 2020 (11:08 am)

    Disinfect those letters as they arrive! They are touched by many hands.

  • Kravitz March 20, 2020 (11:26 am)

    Doing this now – one thing WSB, I think the address has a tiny typo in it. Isn’t is “Fauntleroy Way SW” – I think the the SW designation is transposed.

    • WSB March 20, 2020 (11:42 am)

      Good catch; that was a cut and paste but no excuse, I should have caught it, I do proofread announcements for content and accuracy but things are just a little more hectic than normal…

      • miws March 20, 2020 (12:20 pm)

        WSB, I figured out long ago that you are very self-disciplined in accuracy on here, but, I think we can “excuse” the occasional error, especially in these overwhelming times. —Mike

  • Reader March 21, 2020 (12:35 pm)

    Love this idea!  Just emailed The Kenny to ask how they are protecting the recipients of the letters and would they accept emailed letters that they could print out for the residents.  Will post here if/when I have an answer. 

  • Marilyn March 21, 2020 (7:50 pm)

    Love this idea!  I have been looking for something similar since I moved to Seattle from Pullman.  Lewiston, Idaho used to publish a list in the newspaper at the beginning of December of nursing home seniors’ wish list for Christmas and I was involved in getting gifts, wrapping and delivering for a number of years.  Very sad there is not something similar here in the Seattle area.  Thanks for starting this!  I will mail my letter tomorrow :-)  

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