(Spirit Lake)– While we may be living in a time dominated by digital communication, the timeless tradition of handwritten letters lives on through the Northwest Iowa Retired and Senior Volunteers Pen Pal Program. DeNeitt VanDenBroeke is the RSVP coordinator for Dickinson county…
“So our RSVP Pen Pal program involves our volunteers who are 55 and over and we match them up with fourth graders during the spring with Spirit Lake and Okoboji schools. Our volunteers and students each correspond with three letters and then in the end we have a meet and greet party.”
VanDenBroeke says they’re in need of volunteers to help out with the program…
“I’m working right now on matching Okoboji students and volunteers and I need probably about 20 more people for that, so that would be a need that would be helpful. If anybody is interested they can contact me.”
She adds the Pen Pal program has been a longstand one that’s enjoyed a lot of success over the years…
“It’s a favorite with our teachers, our students and even our volunteers. Everyone just loves it. It’s great to get mail in your mailbox instead of junk mail or bills. It’s fun to hear from the students and get questions from them. They get to learn a lot about our volunteers and what things were like when they were growing up. It’s a great program for everyone involved.”
Those interested in volunteering for the program or wanting more information can contact VanDenBroeke at 336-6577.
