Submitting Letters and Artwork:

Each completed letter and artwork is worth 1 hour of volunteer service.

You can also be a volunteer for both!

  • Maintain a positive, friendly tone throughout your writing

  • No offensive language/drawings/profanity

  • Use simple words and write in clear sentences

  • Use/write on clean stationary

  • Do not mention specific illnesses or provide medical advice

  • Avoid sayings like “I hope you feel better soon” or “Sorry you’re in the hospital”

  • Do not include items like money, toys, or stickers alongside your letter unless permitted by hospital

  • Do not include any personal info (e.g., social media, school, and address)

  • Sign with your first name only

  • Must be legible and written in dark ink/marker

  • Please write your letter on standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper (printer paper)

  • Avoid glitter, bulky decorations, or scented materials, as hospitals have safety and hygiene requirements.

  • Letters must be HANDWRITTEN!

Requirements for Letters:

ALL LETTERS WILL BE PROOFREAD

  • Use bright colors

  • Use child-friendly themes only (e.g., cute animals, rainbows, and hobbies/sports)

  • No violent depictions of any kind

  • Use non-toxic materials (e.g., crayons, color pencils, non-toxic markers, pencils)

  • Kind messages (e.g., “You’re awesome!” and “You’re a star!”) are recommended

  • Avoid sayings like “I hope you feel better soon” or “Sorry you’re in the hospital”

  • Do not include items like money, toys, or stickers alongside your drawing unless permitted by hospital

  • Do not include any personal info (e.g., social media, school, and address)

  • Sign with your first name only

  • Size: ONLY USE 8.5 x 11 inches (standard printer paper)

  • Avoid glitter, bulky decorations, or scented materials, as hospitals have safety and hygiene requirements.

  • MUST BE FLAT (no folds, no 3D elements)

  • Artwork must be HAND-DRAWN!

Requirements for Artwork:

ALL ARTWORK WILL BE LOOKED OVER

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VOLUNTEER

  1. A warm greeting (e.g., “Dear friend,” “To someone special,” and “Hello there!”)

  2. Positive encouragement (e.g., “You are so strong!” , “You’ve got a heart of gold!” , and “Keep shining!”)

  3. Share a hobby/interest/activity you do for fun! (e.g., “My favorite ice cream flavor is…what’s yours?”)

  4. Funny stories/jokes (e.g., “My dog sneezed himself right off the couch!”)

  5. Uplifting closing

  6. Signing your first name only

    *Be sure that your letter meets the requirements!

What You Can Include in Your Letter:

  1. Once you’ve completed the registration form(s), you will receive a follow-up form where you can upload your letters and/or artwork digitally.

  2. When approved, mail your letters and artwork to our P.O. Box. The address will be in the follow-up form.

  3. If needed, please complete the form below to receive your service hour verification letter!

  4. Lastly, we’ll distribute them to hospitals across New York City.

    Thank you for your valuable commitment through your volunteer work!

How the Process Works:

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VOLUNTEER