New to volunteering with older adults?
Our free orientation covers first visits, what to say, what not to do and what to watch for.
Read the orientationWhat can you share? What could your community use?
Pen Pal Tree works in both directions. Communities can ask for help, and individuals or groups can bring talents and project ideas nobody has thought to list yet.
1
Tell us what you can offer
Pick the activities you enjoy and how you can help: in person, by mail or by video.
2
Communities can find you
You appear on Connections with your first name, city and interests — or anonymously if you prefer.
3
Connect and show up
A community invites you, or you answer one of their requests. Offer only what you can keep up.
Pick what sounds like you
Tap any one to see the volunteers and communities for it on Connections.
Cards & Letters
Thinking-of-you cards, get-well notes, artwork from kids.
See on ConnectionsPen Pals
Ongoing letters with a resident — near you or from another country.
See on ConnectionsPostcards
Postcards from your state or country for a resident's travel map.
See on ConnectionsBirthdays
Birthday cards, 100th-birthday card drives, anniversary wishes.
See on ConnectionsHoliday Cheer
Holiday cards, caroling, seasonal decorations and parties.
See on ConnectionsVeterans
Thank-you cards, Veterans Day visits, listening to their stories.
See on ConnectionsGifts & Donations
Adopt a resident, room decorations, wish-list items, supply drives.
See on ConnectionsVisits & Hands-on Help
Friendly visits, reading aloud, games and bingo, gardening, technology help, walking residents to activities, helping at events — so many choices.
See on ConnectionsMusic, Readings & Performers
Piano, singing, choirs, instruments, dance, poetry, storytelling.
See on ConnectionsFaith & Spiritual Care
Leading or joining worship, prayer visits, hymn sings, scripture reading — when residents ask for it.
See on ConnectionsCrafts & Projects
Art projects, memory books, special one-time ideas.
See on ConnectionsSchools & Groups
Classrooms, homeschool co-ops, scouts, youth and church groups.
See on ConnectionsSend Joy
Answer a request for one person or a small group: a 100th birthday, a veteran, someone who needs a smile.
See Send Joy requestsComing as a class, church or scout group?
One adult coordinates for the whole group. See step-by-step ideas for schools and groups.
Guides for groupsNothing near you yet?
Pen Pal Tree is new and growing one city at a time. Offer what you can do and we'll let you know when a community near you matches.
Join freeOnly have ten minutes?
Send a card. Every nursing home in our directory shows its public mailing address — no waiting.
Send a cardREADY TO CONNECT?
Browse ConnectionsExplore active connections
See everyone in one place: volunteers offering help, and communities and people looking for it.