A Grandmother’s Memory Inspires Richton Park Letter-Writing Project (Richton Park, IL) — Diamond Bridges’ grandmother experienced loneliness that Bridges says she did not recognize as a teenager. After her grandmother died earlier this year, she wanted to honor her by helping other older adults feel remembered.
That effort has taken shape as a “Dear Elder” mailbox at the Richton Park Public Library, where residents can leave handwritten notes for delivery to local senior communities.
“My grandmother passed away in early 2026, and ever since, I’ve wanted to give back in a way that honors her,” Bridges said in a statement announcing the project. “She was once isolated and lonely, and as a teen I never knew.”
Bridges created the local mailbox through an initiative of Love For Our Elders, a nonprofit that organizes letter-writing efforts for older adults experiencing isolation. The collection point gives residents a way to participate during a visit to the library at 22310 Latonia Lane.
The library is inviting visitors to write a kind message of at least two sentences and place it in the mailbox. Volunteers will collect the notes and deliver them to local seniors, according to the library’s announcement.
The approach keeps the logistics with the volunteers. Under the national Dear Elder Mailbox program, contributors do not need stamps or recipients’ mailing addresses; they write a note and leave it at the collection station.
The messages should be handwritten, encouraging and free of religious or political content. Love For Our Elders also asks writers to use clear, readable handwriting, preferably large print, and avoid glitter.
For anyone unsure how to begin, the organization suggests treating the letter like a conversation: introducing themselves, sharing a joke or offering a few personal details. Drawings and other creative touches are welcome. Writers should not expect a response, so recipients do not feel obligated to write back.
The Richton Park project is part of a broader effort that Love For Our Elders says has delivered more than 1 million handwritten letters to older adults across the United States and internationally.
For Bridges, the motivation remains close to home. She hopes the notes will offer others a reminder of the care and connection she wishes she had known her grandmother needed.
“One letter at a time, we can ease the loneliness others feel by giving them something to look forward to, even if it’s just a letter,” Bridges said. “It can make a big difference.”
Residents can participate at the Richton Park Public Library. Questions about the local project can be directed to Bridges at diamondmbridges@gmail.com. Letter-writing guidelines are available at loveforourelders.org/letters.
A Grandmother’s Memory Inspires Richton Park Letter-Writing Project
