In an age of instant messages, emails and social media posts, the simple handwritten card has nearly become a thing of the past. 

What many now jokingly call “snail mail” has largely been replaced by high-speed communication and digital convenience, leaving fewer personal notes of thanks, encouragement or simple friendship arriving in the mailbox.

Older generations remember a different time, when children were expected to sit down and write thank you notes for birthday and Christmas gifts, and handwritten correspondence was considered both thoughtful and important. 

Today, even Christmas cards, one of the last traditions of personal mail, are fading. According to a recent New York Post report, six in 10 adults say they are receiving fewer Christmas cards, and most are not concerned about the decline. The survey of 2,000 Americans found that 44 percent hope the downward trend continues, while three in 10 people do not plan to send a single card this year. Another 35% said they still send cards mainly out of obligation.

While handwritten communication may be disappearing nationally, a local group in Mineral County hopes to revive some of that personal connection one card at a time. The Mineral County Local Advisory Council recently launched a community card exchange group designed to reach residents who may feel isolated, lonely or forgotten. 

The inaugural gathering drew a strong turnout, with participants bringing card-making supplies, creativity and a willingness to brighten someone’s day. 

The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Riverside Soup & Sandz, located at 100 River Street in Superior. Participants spend about 90 minutes writing cards, either from prepared scripts or from the heart to county residents identified through churches, senior centers, neighbors and other community contacts.

“Bailey (Moree) has offered to provide coffee and treats to us making us feel welcome and comfortable here,” said organizer Stephanie Quick while seated at a large table in the restaurant’s back room. 

Quick leads the effort alongside volunteers Shirley Iwata and Marianne Bell. 

The group hopes the cards provide encouragement and reassurance to people who may be struggling or spending long periods alone. 

“If there is somebody who is going through some hardship right now or if there are people that are isolated and alone, this would be a way to reach out through correspondence by sending just a general card. If they wanted to put their name and address in, then we can do an exchange back and forth. But we figured that once a month, we’d send out something just wishing them well and letting them know that they are thought of. And people will remember that,” Quick said with a smile. “The old-school or writing out a card to the people that remember how important this was earlier in their lives.”

Quick said the project is still in its beginning stages and organizers hope participation will continue to grow. Volunteer Shirley Iwata suggested the cards could follow seasonal themes or holidays while still focusing on simple messages of encouragement and hope. 

The first round of cards was signed “The Members of the Local Advisory Council” and included return address labels for anyone wishing to respond. Several cards were sent to long-term care residents at Mineral Community Hospital, where they could be shared among patients. Organizers say the effort could eventually lead to pen-pal relationships for those interested in writing back.

Quick said names submitted to the program may also include personal details such as birthdays or favorite animals. 

“We could make them more specific to the individual if that is something that they would want written about in the card,” she explained. 

Participants say the project has already become meaningful to them personally. 

“I write cards to my great gramma, so I’m used to writing cards to the elderly. My Gramma loves getting mail from me in her mailbox, so I want to bless other people with encouraging words,” shared Kalyn Plouffe, who attended the first gathering. 

Melissa MacAleese from the west end of the county said she joined after hearing about the idea. 

“I’ve been looking for things to do and meet other people and to reach out to others who feel like they are forgotten. It’s a human instinct to want to help,” she said. 

Organizers are also discussing ways to gather feedback from recipients in the future. “We’ve kicked around inserting a little survey maybe even next month asking if the person receiving the card if they would like to receive them on the holidays or certain times of the year. That will give us some feedback we’re looking for. This was just talked about a few moments ago, so everything is on the table this morning,” laughed Bell.