Pen Pal Program

Developing Bonds that Span Generations

Pen Pals for Seniors involves Tempe students and seniors connecting through one-on-one letter writing and a face-to-face interaction to create relationships and build lasting bonds. Since its conception in the 2017-2018 school year, the program has touched the lives of countless students and seniors in Tempe and beyond.

Program Overview

Pen Pals in our program typically write and receive about 1-2 letters per month throughout the school year, then at the end of the school year in May, we have a meet-up where the pen pals get to meet who they have been writing to all school year!

Program History

Amy Garza, Visual Communication Specialist Senior for the district, started the program as a way to honor her grandmother's legacy. Amy and her grandmother spent many years as pen pals, and the way their relationship flourished encouraged Amy to start the program here in Tempe Elementary Schools. 

Looking for another way to brighten the day of Arizona seniors? Send a Care Card!

If you simply want to send an encouraging note, letter or drawing to an elderly person who is homebound or having a difficult time, please follow these guidelines or email Amy Garza for further instructions.

Care Card Guidelines

• Items MUST fit in a 9” x 12” envelope.
• Use 8 ½ by 11” paper/construction paper.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you start!
• Be creative! You can add things to your paper, cut things out, glue/tape things on, etc.
• Write big (and dark), so elderly eyes can see it.
• Bright, colorful drawings/pictures are welcome and encouraged!
• Items can be handmade or store bought.

Care Card Printables: (Just print them out and color them!)

• Care Cards - holiday, birthday
• Care Cards - love, Valentines
• Care Cards - encouragement, inspiration

Drop-off Location:

Tempe Elementary School District Office 
Northeast corner of Rural Rd. and Southern Ave., near Fry's grocery store
3205 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, 85282
(Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 

Mail to: 
Care Cards, c/o Amy Garza
Tempe Elementary School District
3205 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282