The pen pal program between the 4th graders at Maternity of Mary/St. Andrew’s School and the seniors in the North East South Como Block Nurse Program celebrated its 14th birthday this fall! What started as a small, “let’s see how this works” deal has blossomed into a roaring success. It just goes to show that there is no better combination than kids and seniors.
The students have not only brightened up the seniors’ mailboxes but have touched the seniors’ hearts by their wisdom, caring, sense of humor and zest for life. Have the students benefited too? You bet! They’ve learned that seniors are funny, helpful, understanding and have the best stories to tell.
Senior Howard wrote, “It’s good to play a musical instrument. Remember to practice. To be successful you need to be a hard worker in something you like. Do not give up. You will be rewarded for all your hard work.”
Senior Louise wrote, “I was born in England in 1899. Do you think that you would like a friend as old as me? Having out lived all my friends I am happy to have you for a new one.”
The kids write great letters back such as the one 4th grader Andy wrote, “I play soccer, basketball, baseball and tennis. What sports do you play?” These letters come with the neatest artwork too. Paper angels, cards with hearts and flowers on them, cute little faces in school pictures all become status symbols with the senior pen pals. As you can imagine a whole lot of bragging goes on.
If you would like to be a part of this, fun rewarding pen pal program, give us a call at (651) 487-5135. We start each year in October with the new 4th graders but as new kids move into the school we'll need more Senior Pen Pals -- so let us know and we’ll find just the right pen pal for you!