Our Story
Lives Through Letters originated with a compassionate 7th grader, Saanvi Ram, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Faced with the disappointment of the canceled Regional Spelling Bee, Saanvi was inspired to give back to her community, driven by her great appreciation for words. With her grandparents residing in rural India and seldom seen, she empathized with elders enduring isolation and loneliness during the pandemic. Motivated by these reflections, Saanvi started writing letters to seniors living in senior living homes as a way to combat isolation. She received lots of positive feedback, and realized that Lives through Letters had lots of potential.
Saanvi founded Lives Through Letters at George Washington Middle School. The club convened to craft heartfelt letters, which they dispatched to 15 nursing and residential homes. This endeavor not only enabled students to forge meaningful connections but also instilled a sense of purpose in brightening someone's day.
Upon entering Hempstead High School, Saanvi enlisted the support of fellow sophomore Jillian Maiers, sparking a collaboration that would expand the club's reach. Jillian, enthusiastic about the initiative, joined forces with Saanvi to establish a chapter at Hempstead. Saanvi navigated the intricacies of club formation, while Jillian crafted a digital presence for the club, including a website and Instagram account. Following a successful meeting with the principal, Lives Through Letters became an official club! Leveraging social media, personal networks, and campus promotions, the club rapidly gained traction among students, offering them a reprieve from the rigors of high school and an outlet for creative expression through art and writing.
Entering their junior year, Saanvi and Jillian reflected on the club's achievements and identified opportunities for further growth. They embarked on a mission to expand Lives Through Letters to other schools across the midwest, catalyzing the establishment of chapters in Elkader, Platteville, Liberty High School, Senior High School, and Wahlert High School, among others. The initiative resonated deeply, with even one of Saanvi's former teachers at Irving Elementary School initiating a chapter, resulting in over 100 letters and art projects from elementary students.
As the club continues to evolve, Saanvi and Jillian are exploring avenues to enhance Lives Through Letters' impact. Discussions include formalizing the organization into a non-profit, expanding its reach beyond the midwest, and collaborating with the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools to facilitate growth within the Dubuque Community School District. Their dedication and innovative approach underscore the profound impact of youth-led initiatives in fostering empathy and connection across communities.
