Club Crawl: Letters of Love SDSU Is Reviving the Art of the Handwritten Note

The internet connects us to everyone–some could argue, in a way that we were never meant to comprehend, but Letters of Love SDSU believes that connecting with someone you’ve never met through handwritten words could be the way to connect us all. 

Letters of Love is a national organization that offers emotional support to children battling serious illnesses through hand-crafted letters across 42 states. SDSU’s chapter in particular is home to around 130 members, all with a deep tie to the organization's mission to change the world one card at a time. 

Grace Kokales, president of Letters of Love SDSU, originally joined the club because of her classmates, but when her best friend's sister was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive grade 4 brain tumor, she saw first-hand how impactful a letter can be. 

“It completely shifted my perspective on how personal and supportive this organization is,” Kokales said, reflecting on the experience. “I think many of our members can relate to having someone in their life impacted by health issues, or wanting to write the words they wish someone had shared with them.” 

Letters of Love gives individuals the opportunity not only to actively participate in ensuring children receive those words of encouragement, but to also lean on each other when it comes to the health matters that unfortunately touch the lives of everyone around us.   

This fall marks Kokales’ fifth year involved in Letters of Love, but her passion for the organization is more alive than ever as the world continues to race down a digital highway. 

“We’re constantly texting, commenting, or sending emails. Because of that, I think handwritten cards have started to feel much more meaningful,” Kokales explained. “Most of us only receive cards on special occasions from people we know, like a birthday from a parent or a Valentine's Day card from a significant other.” 

She noted that the personalized notes translate strongly for the kids. The uniqueness of one's handwriting or the colors that were specially picked out for the card may seem small, but they deliver a message much more impactful than a programmed font on a screen.

Members spend their monthly meetings crafting letters that are then sent to the Letters of Love headquarters in Minnesota, coincidentally Kokales’ very own hometown. Once they arrive, they are reviewed under card-making guidelines and stamped with a Letters of Love sticker. From there, they are distributed to hospitals across the U.S. based on needs and requests. 

Members are also encouraged to share hospitals with headquarters that they’d like their cards to be sent to, though you won’t actually know exactly where it is going when you write the letter.

“Writing to someone you’ll likely never meet definitely can feel weird at first, especially not knowing the child or their situation. However, I actually think that’s what makes the process so powerful,” Kokales said. “While handwriting a card, you’re forced to pause and think about what you would want to hear if you were in that situation. You have to consider things like how you can comfort them, encourage them, or just bring a little joy into their lives. I think this reflection strengthens empathy.”

Moving forward, Kokales has many goals for the SDSU chapter, but creating a sense of community will always be her main priority. Ensuring Letters of Love is a space for people to connect happily while also providing even a moment of joy for the thousands of children fighting medical battles is a delicate balance, but it’s one Kokales is dedicated to. 

“I think many people assume a card from a stranger won't have much impact, but I’ve come to see it differently.” Kokales says. “When you’re going through something difficult, you kind of expect support from people closest to you, but receiving kindness and encouragement from someone you don’t even know could completely shift your perspective overall.”

The chapter is always open and looking for collaborations. To join Letters of Love SDSU or to schedule a club partnered event, visit @lettersoflove_sdsu 

For more information on how to send a letter if you are not an SDSU student, visit Letters of Love Global

Written by: Katherine O’Connor

Cover Design by: Katherine O’Connor