About Us
Who We Are
The Branch at Palos Verdes High School (Founding Chapter)
We are a group of high school students striving to make a positive difference in the lives of senior citizens across the United States.
What We Do
At The Branch, we aim to inspire creativity and deliver the many health benefits of writing cards to senior citizens. We hope to boost cognitive abilities, improve physical health, reduce symptoms of loneliness, and create happiness with the anticipation and joy of receiving a letter from a high school student. We aspire to spread joy, practice compassion and understanding, and further meaningful intergenerational connections.
The Board
From left to right:
Elayna Pope, Donya Ahmady, Christine Xie, Gabriella Di Camillo, Lauren Peckovich, Eva Yancheson, Petra Riggs, Karen Hori
Not pictured:
Kaylin Hansen, Madeleine Um, Lauren Kim, Maia Boardman, Jocelyn Kim, Sloane Houterman
Message from Founder
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I began to devote more time volunteering at church. With the majority of congregational members being senior citizens, I realized that they felt extremely isolated. Their families could not visit due to their fragile health and strict Covid restrictions, and the elderly often were unable to video call or electronically communicate with family members at all.
I was extremely dismayed when imagining how lonely these senior citizens felt, and I resolved to instigate change. I started writing and sending cards to the older members of my church to send them best wishes and to let them know that I was there for them if they needed help getting groceries, etc.
I will never forget the day I received my first letter back. It was irreplaceably heart-warming to feel that a personal connection was made through mail correspondence. With the purpose of spreading this meaningful experience to other high school students, I founded this organization. Thank you for being interested in The Branch as we branch out to others and make lives better card by card.