Bringing Connection and Care to Lexington’s Seniors
Loneliness can be a significant challenge for older adults, particularly those residing in special care facilities. A group of motivated students from River Bluff High School is working to ensure that no one feels forgotten. Through handwritten letters and drawings, the Lexington chapter of Letters for Rose works to bring joy and encouragement to the senior adult community in Lexington, SC.
Letters for Rose is an international organization of student volunteers dedicated to combating loneliness in nursing homes. In Lexington, the Chapter is led by Ileana Castro and Kaitlyn Henry, two senior students who wanted to make a difference in the lives of senior adults. The mission of Letters for Rose began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many seniors were isolated in their nursing homes, away from family and friends.
Throughout their time volunteering at nursing homes and senior facilities in the past and seeing the joy they brought through simple acts of kindness, both Ileana and Kaitlyn felt called to do more. Kaitlyn, a ballet student, had performed for nursing home residents, during which she saw how their eyes lit up as she danced. Before getting involved with Letters for Rose, Ileana spent time volunteering in nursing homes, distributing letters through another organization, and witnessing the joy that simple notes brought to the residents. Those moments sparked an idea that would one day become a movement in Lexington to bring kindness to the senior community.
“We want to create a strong connection between the senior community in Lexington and other age groups, specifically teens,” said Ileana. “We were inspired by a past River Bluff program that had high school seniors write to senior citizens as pen pals throughout the year. We wanted to expand this idea throughout our school (not just seniors) and continue it for years to come, which is where our Chapter originated. We want to make nursing home residents feel loved and cared for by not just their families, but their surrounding community.
Together, Kaitlyn and Ileana founded the Lexington Chapter, offering a way to bridge the gap between youth and senior citizens through handwritten cards. Once a month, student volunteers gather to write letters that often focus on upcoming seasons or holidays, filled with messages of encouragement and hope. Then the students deliver the letters in person to local nursing homes, building relationships with the residents. The time and commitment to the Chapter also provide students with a meaningful way to earn community service hours for clubs like Beta Club; however, for most volunteers, the reward extends far beyond earning hours. It is the understanding that a few handwritten words can brighten someone’s day.
In addition to Kaitlyn and Ileana, the chapter consists of a historian, an ambassador, and an outreach coordinator. Together, they coordinate writing sessions, organize donations, and assist in managing new volunteers who join.
Community involvement is a big part of their effort. The group now offers a Letters for Rose Mailbox at the Lexington County Public Library, where anyone can drop off letters or artwork to be delivered to nursing home residents. Donations of supplies, like paper, markers, or colored pencils, are also welcome.
The students use social media to keep the community connected. Through their Instagram page, followers can find updates on meeting times, letter drop-offs, and upcoming delivery days. Those who wish to join can contact the Chapter directly via email at lettersforroselexingtonsc@gmail.com to receive an interest form.
A huge inspiration for the members of the Lexington Chapter of Letters for Rose has been the club sponsor, Mrs. Jennifer Nicholson. “She has dedicated a lot of time and has become a big influence to us and our cause,” said Kaitlyn. “Ms. Nicolson has always shared stories and opportunities to continue broadening our influence, and we were even able to write letters to children across the world because of her! Her ideas and support have continued to help our organization have a greater impact,” shared Ileana.
For Kaitlyn and Ileana, the work with Letters for Rose has shaped their view of what it means to serve others. Kaitlyn, who serves as President of River Bluff’s LOCC Club, plans to pursue a medical track in college with hopes of becoming a surgeon. Ileana, who leads the Student Council, the HOSA leadership team, and the Juniorettes, plans to become a dentist. Though their career paths differ, both share a common purpose—to care for others and make a lasting impact.
As the Chapter continues to grow, its goal remains simple: bridge generations through kindness and connection. What started as a small project born out of empathy during the pandemic has become a movement of shared humanity and connection.