At Indiana University, students turn simple handwritten notes and drawings into a source of encouragement for children facing serious illnesses. The IU chapter of Letters of Love provides emotional support to children battling cancer and other serious conditions through handmade cards.
Letters of love, a global organization, was first founded in Minnesota in 2018. The IU chapter was founded in 2023 by senior Annie Tran, the current president.
Since its establishment, Tran said the club has become a community where students can volunteer their time and creativity to make a tangible impact on patients.
Tran has always loved handwritten cards. In high school, she started a chapter of Letters for Rose, a nonprofit that writes letters to nursing home residents.
The IU chapter meets monthly, typically in the Indiana Memorial Union, and offers low-commitment opportunities for students to participate. Tran said the club lets students volunteer according to their schedules.
“It is truly about giving back and volunteering your time to make a difference in these children’s lives. You can show up every month or just once a year and it is equally valuable,” she said.
Tran said the meetings are designed to be welcoming and creative. Executive members arrive early to set up fliers with card-writing tips and suggested phrases for letters.
The fliers discourage certain expressions, such as “feel better soon” or “get better” because some children may be in hospice care. Instead, phrases like “you are loved,” “you matter,” and “you are so brave” are recommended. Maria DiMauro, the club’s vice president of finance, said the monthly meetings are a central part of the experience.
“My favorite part is the monthly meetings,” DiMauro said. “We have different themes for the cards, which is fun and helps build community for everyone attending the events. We also collaborate with different brands, whether local or larger companies, to provide free goodies for our members.”
In the past, members have received Clio snack bars, iced teas and Pentel supplies. They can use the products during card making if they choose and keep them after the event.
Members can also participate in fundraisers. Last fall, the club hosted a “Letters to a Loved One” event where students could purchase postcards, write messages and have the club mail them.
“So many people came out, wrote postcards, and we sent them off,” DiMauro said. “It was a great experience for everybody involved.”
IU’s chapter has sent over 175,000 cards to patients worldwide, according to BeInvolved. Tran said the cards get sent to the nonprofit headquarters for review and then distributed to children in hospitals across the country.
“It is very heartwarming to see that these cards make them smile so big,” she said. “Seeing photos of children receiving the letters is so meaningful.”
For freshman members, the club offers both a meaningful activity and a social opportunity.
“It is really relaxing to be with friends, and I love the meaning behind it,” IU freshman Lindsey Fasbender said.
Tran said the club emphasizes the importance of spreading kindness through small actions.
“It is about supporting people in need who may not have the full support that they need,” Tran said. “Being able to get together as a group and rally behind these children is really beautiful.”
Consistent participation from members inspired DiMauro to pursue an executive position, she said.
“After spending my freshman year as a general member and attending almost every meeting, I saw the dedication of others and wanted to help sustain the organization,” DiMauro said. “It is rewarding to know that our work has a positive impact on both the children and the campus community.”
Tran, as president, said she has focused on ensuring the club remains strong in the future by coordinating with the national organization, recruiting members and expanding partnerships.
With every card written and every message sent, Tran said she hopes Letters of Love at IU continues to transform small acts of kindness into something far more impactful.
