Thank you so much for volunteering to be a Teen Pal in the Pan Pals program. You will be making one or more Little Pals very happy during this difficult time. Please read these guidelines carefully before signing up to volunteer.
Teen Pals are expected to write hand-written letters via the US Postal Service to their Little Pals at least once a week OR within a few days of receiving a letter from a Little Pal (whichever comes first). We want to encourage the Little Pals to practice their writing skills.
Teen Pals are expected to write age-appropriate letters to their Little Pals. Shorter, more frequent letters are preferred to long letters. Drawings, pictures, stickers are encouraged. Teen Pals should not expect their letters to Little Pals to be private.
Please do not send gifts, treats, gift cards or anything of value to your Little Pal. Please do not accept anything of value from your Little Pal. Note: Postage stamps or Self-addressed stamped envelopes are acceptable.
Ideas for letters and Pan Pals stationary can be downloaded from the Resources page. Let us know if you have any ideas to add!
Every attempt will be made to find a lasting match between Teen Pals and Little Pals. We may need to make a change based on feedback from a parent, etc. We plan to check-in with parents via email periodically for feedback.
Expect to be actively corresponding with Little Pals on at least a weekly basis until mid-June, longer if the Pandemic Crisis is extended. Please consider your availability over this time-frame before committing to be a Teen Pal.
Please do not face-time, video chat, or make contact with your Little Pal in any way other than postal mail! When the physical distancing rules are relaxed, you will be invited to meet your Little Pal in person at a Meet n' Greet Party (date:TBD).
Please contact us at matchmypanpal@gmail.com if there are any questions or concerns.