NORFOLK, Va. - Connecting with others has been a challenge during coronavirus, to say the least.
"Something as simple and small can do so much for me, so I wanted other people to feel that way," said Norfolk resident Jordie DiFernando.
DiFernando experienced a message of hope about seven years ago that uplifted her spirits.
"I started Compassion Cards out of a hopeless place in my heart. I have struggled with anxiety and self image issues," she said.
So, Compassion Cards was born - a nonprofit headquartered in Norfolk that sends handwritten cards to anyone all over the world.
"In the past, we have sent cards to foster kids, the LGBTQ community, people struggling with food insecurities, unhoused people or those who are incarcerated," said DiFernando.
The letters of love took on new legs during COVID-19.
"This past year, we sent a lot of cards to senior citizens stuck at home; we sent over 13,000 cards to elderly folks in 2020," she said.
In total, volunteers have sent more than 30,000 cards in the past few years.
Simple acts of kindness that can go a long way.
Related: Virginia Beach woman leaves signs of hope during pandemic
"Just to remember the world is better because all of us are here that we can get through tough things together," she said. "I was at a dark place in my heart when someone gave me a card randomly that gave me hope to go on."
For more information and how to volunteer, click here.
