Pen Pal TreeYou do not need a special title, a huge project, or the “perfect” reason to volunteer. A small act of attention can become a meaningful part of someone's day.
Maybe you want to serve. Maybe your school requires service hours. Maybe your employer, church or organization encouraged you to volunteer. That's okay. You still showed up and gave your time. Sometimes what begins as an assignment becomes a relationship you never expected.
Take the skills you already have. Nothing is too small, and your idea does not have to fit a category Pen Pal Tree already created.
Call the main number and ask who coordinates activities, life enrichment, recreation, engagement, or volunteer programs. Titles vary by organization.
“Hi, my name is ____. I'm calling because I'd love to volunteer/connect with older adults in your community. Could I speak with the person who coordinates activities, life enrichment, recreation, or volunteer programs?”
“Hello, my name is ____. I/we would love to connect with your community by ____. We are available ____. Would this be something your residents/community would welcome, and what requirements should we complete before participating?”
Include your group size and ages when relevant. Never promise a visit or ongoing relationship you cannot maintain.
You may be asked to complete an application, orientation, health screening, background check, confidentiality training, check-in process, or other requirements depending on the community and what you will be doing.
Don't be discouraged. Ask what applies to your particular visit or volunteer role. Pen Pal Tree facilitates introductions; each organization sets its own screening, visitor and volunteer requirements.
Ask before photographing or posting anyone. Follow the community's consent and visitor rules. Do not ask for private medical or financial information, and keep children participating through a responsible adult or organization.
A treat can feel like an easy act of kindness, but always ask staff or the appropriate caregiver before giving an older adult anything to eat or drink.
Restrictions are not limited to diabetes. Someone may have swallowing difficulties requiring a specific food texture or liquid thickness, allergies, kidney or heart-related restrictions, fluid limits, medication-related restrictions, cultural/religious needs, a therapeutic diet, or require supervision while eating.
When in doubt, don't hand it out. Ask first. ❤️If you're bringing food for a group event, ask the community before buying or preparing it. Staff can tell you what is permitted.
Start with the person who can actually approve or coordinate a partnership. Titles vary, so ask for the closest role rather than giving up when an organization does not use the title you expected.
Try the principal, counselor, activities or student-life coordinator, service-learning/community-engagement contact, PTA/PTO, National Honor Society adviser, club adviser, or a teacher interested in intergenerational projects.
Ask for outreach/community service, senior ministry, youth ministry, children’s ministry, missions/local outreach, or the volunteer coordinator.
Try service-learning/community engagement, nursing, social work, OT/PT, music, student organizations, fraternities/sororities, or volunteer offices.
Contact the co-op leader, group leader, program director, volunteer coordinator, troop leader, club adviser, library/community-program staff, or organization leadership.
Instead of only asking “Would you like to volunteer?”, offer an easy starting point: “Would your kindergarten class make birthday cards?”, “Would your choir sing for residents?”, “Would your students like a monthly pen-pal project?”, or “Would your youth group adopt our community for the holidays?”
One successful project can grow into a year-round relationship. Keep the contact name and follow up after the activity.
A later phase can add school and community-organization discovery so communities can find nearby schools and outreach partners more directly, similar to Find a Community. For now, this guide helps users know who to contact.