We engage volunteers in creating handwritten birthday cards, bringing joy and positivity to the residents of retirement homes across the community.
Card-Making Program
Interested in scheduling a workshop?
We’ll respond as soon as we can.
Volunteer in person at one of our workshops!
No age restrictions. Transportation to the site is the only requirement. Just complete this short form to receive future dates.
Card-Making Instructions
Card Guidelines:
-Cards must be handwritten
-Please do not include religious or political content
-Please do not use glitter
-You may include a return address, but there are no expectations of a reply
Include:
-Birthday messages
-A friendly greeting and warm wishes
-Encouraging and positive words
-Colorful drawings, decorations, or fun additions like riddles or crosswords
-Anything creative that will help make a senior feel special and celebrated!
1 / CREATE YOUR CARD
2 / RECORD YOUR SERVICE HOURS
3 / MAIL YOUR CARDS
3 / MAIL YOUR CARDS
If you would like to receive service hours, please fill out this short form to record your hours:
Your letter of documentation will be emailed to you once we receive your cards in the mail!
After completing your cards, mail them directly to:
Roots & Grounds
1119 Locust Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
After completing your cards, mail them directly to:
Roots & Grounds
1119 Locust Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
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International Volunteer Opportunity
MEMORY MAIL
Memory Mail is a Roots & Grounds initiative that connects volunteers from around the globe with older adults through uplifting emails that are printed and delivered to assisted living communities across the United States. Many older adults experience loneliness or do not regularly receive mail. Memory Mail creates a simple but meaningful way to build intergenerational connection, preserve everyday stories, and remind older adults that their experiences matter.
Step 1: Choose a Topic
Memory Mail messages should focus on positive memories, everyday stories, or uplifting thoughts.
You can write about things like:
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A favorite childhood memory
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A family tradition
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A funny story from school or work
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A place you love visiting
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Lessons you’ve learned
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Words of encouragement or gratitude
Step 3: Write Your Email (write ~250 words)
Write your Memory Mail message in an email.
Suggested Structure (not required, but optional)
1. Start with a friendly greeting
2. Share your memory or story
3. Include kind and uplifting words. For example:
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Wishing them a wonderful day
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Letting them know they are appreciated
4. Include a friendly closing:
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Warmly,
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With kindness,
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Best wishes,
Then, sign with your first name only.
Step 6: Send Your Email
When your Memory Mail email is finished, send it to: roots.and.grounds@gmail.com
Our team will print it and then deliver it to assisted living communities in the Chicagoland area!
Highlights
We recently partnered with The Volunteer Center to lead a planting workshop for adults with disabilities, creating a space for creativity, connection, and hands-on learning.
Join Our Team!
Fill out this short form to indicate interest. A team member will contact you within 2-3 business days. Please indicate the position you are interested in within the "Message" box.
Positions may include:
-Service Hour Director
-International Chapter Leader (of your country)
-Domestic Chapter Leader (of your state)
-School Outreach Coordinator
-Fundraising Coordinator
-Newsletter Editor
-Memory Mail Coordinator
Our Mission
Roots & Grounds is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors in assisted living facilities through interactive workshops on plant care and propagation, while also fostering connections between generations.
