Students at Three Angels Christian School in Wisconsin are making a difference in the lives of seniors through heartfelt, handwritten letters.
As part of their Students Engaged for Eternity (S.E.E.) service initiative, these middle school students have embraced the Letters Against Isolation project—an effort started during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat loneliness among elderly residents in care facilities.
Under the leadership of Vanessa Sloan, head teacher at Three Angels Christian School, 6th-8th graders have crafted 78 personalized cards for seniors across multiple states. In December 2024, 20 letters were sent to residents in Fort Wayne, Indiana, while 48 made their way to London, Kentucky. Additionally, 10 Spanish-language cards were prepared for recipients in Henrico, Virginia.
"Service is at the heart of our Seventh-day Adventist schools," said Sue Nelson, superintendent for Education in Wisconsin. "Projects like Letters Against Isolation show students the power of compassion, empathy and community outreach. I am incredibly proud of the students and teachers who dedicate themselves to making a difference."
The Letters Against Isolation project began when two sisters in Boston recognized the impact of loneliness on seniors' mental and physical health. What started as a small effort has now grown into an international initiative, bringing joy to thousands of elderly residents in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia.
Mrs. Sloan hopes this project will continue for years to come, emphasizing that it not only benefits the recipients but also helps students grow. “While we take joy in sharing these cards, we also recognize the personal growth we experience through this project. The card-making process has allowed our students to connect with one another, creating meaningful conversations and a sense of anticipation in bringing joy to those we reach,” she said.
Wisconsin’s Seventh-day Adventist schools encourage teachers to engage in one to two service activities each month, focusing on their local church family, community or global efforts.
Sue Nelson with Herald staff
