The Winter Letters of Hope Program
About the Program
Winter can feel long, quiet, and lonely. Winter Letters of Hope connects caring people with those who need a reminder that they matter. Participants write anonymous Letters of Hope and mail them to our nonprofit’s PO Box. Our team then forwards each letter to someone who requested encouragement — a parent, a caregiver, someone in treatment, someone homebound, or anyone who simply needs something kind to look forward to in their mailbox.
This is not a pen-pal match; it’s a one-way act of kindness (you’re welcome to write more than one letter over the season).
Season dates: December 1 – February 1.
How it Works
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Sign Up to be a Hope Writer, a Hope Receiver
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Write from the heart. Begin with “Dear Friend,” and share encouragement, empathy, and hope.
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Mail it to us. Send your letter in a stamped envelope to our PO Box (below).
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We forward the hope. AASP THEY MATTER screens and forwards letters to people who opted in to receive one.
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Stay connected. Join our private Facebook community, The Hope Nest, for weekly prompts, ideas, and encouragement (writers optional, recipients welcome to share impact stories if they choose).
Who Can Participate
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Hope Writers: Anyone who wants to lift someone up through kind words.
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Hope Receivers: Anyone who could use a reminder that they are not alone.
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Parents, students, caregivers, survivors, those in treatment, those feeling isolated — everyone is welcome.
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We especially encourage those who may be bedbound, in isolation, or struggling with depression, grief, or hopelessness to sign up to receive Letters of Hope.
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Each letter is written by a caring volunteer who believes in the power of words to heal, comfort, and connect.
Timeline (Dec 1 – Feb 1)
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Launch Week: Join The Hope Nest, get the first Hope Prompts, write your first letter.
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Weekly: New prompts posted; mail letters any time throughout the season.
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Final Week (“The Hope Nest’s Final Flight”): Community reflections & gratitude post.
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After Feb 1: We email Certificates of Hope to all participating Hope Writers.
FAQs
Q: Is this a pen-pal program?
No. This is a one-way act of kindness. You may send more than one letter during the season, but recipients are not expected to reply.
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Q: Will I receive a letter if I write one?
Not automatically. If you also want to receive a letter, please sign up as a Hope Receiver too.
Q: What does it cost?
Writers cover their own postage (one Forever stamp). Recipients receive letters free thanks to donors.
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Q: Is this U.S.-only?
We are launching U.S.-only this season to manage costs. We hope to expand.
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Q: Can I include my contact information?
No. To protect everyone’s privacy, please keep letters anonymous.
Q: Can organizations/classrooms participate?
Yes! Educators or group leaders can bundle letters (in one outer envelope) to our PO Box. Please avoid identifying info.
Q: How are letters screened?
We review for safety, respect, and adherence to guidelines. Letters may be withheld if they include triggering content, proselytizing, or personal contact details.
Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention
Winter Letters of Hope Program
PO BOX 111
Erwin TN 37650