About | Sending Grace

Grace & her grandma JoAnn, the inspiration behind it all

My name is Grace O'Rourke, and I started Sending Grace after exchanging letters with my grandma, JoAnn Brown, during Covid. Our whole family calls her DukeMom, after her beloved dog Duke, who she loved with her whole heart. Those letters became a lifeline for her, helping her feel connected and loved during some of the loneliest months of her life.

Through that experience, I realized that many seniors feel lonely and isolated every single day, not just during a pandemic. I knew that if my letters could bring my grandma so much joy, kids everywhere could do the same for seniors in their communities.

I believe that no one should feel forgotten, and that even a small letter from a child can make a real difference.

That's why I created Sending Grace, a program that empowers kids to spread kindness through a simple, meaningful action: writing letters to seniors. Our free Mad Lib-style letter template makes it easy and fun for children to brighten someone's day.

Young Grace with her grandma JoAnn and Duke the Dalmatian

Grace, DukeMom, and Duke

Grace and her grandma JoAnn laughing together

Grace & DukeMom

Grace with Ms. Schmitz holding completed Sending Grace letters

Grace with Ms. Schmitz, TK Teacher at Silver Spur Elementary

I have visited multiple schools, youth groups, and community organizations across Southern California, putting crayons in kids' hands and watching them write letters to seniors they've never met.

Grace with Ms. Arjasbi, Principal of Silver Spur Elementary, and Grace's own first grade teacher.

Lunada Bay Elementary

Grace with Ms. Watson, 2nd Grade Teacher at Lunada Bay Elementary

Grace leaning in to help a student with her letter

Grace helping students fill out their Sending Grace letters

Meet Grace

I'm a student at Palos Verdes High School. I started Sending Grace in middle school because I believed then, and still believe now, that you don't have to wait until you're grown up to do something that matters. Most people assume change comes from adults with resources and platforms. I started this to prove otherwise. A kid with a piece of paper and twenty minutes can change someone's entire day. I've seen it happen hundreds of times.

Where We Deliver

Real Facilities, Real Seniors

Every letter I collect gets delivered — some in person, some quietly left at the front desk for staff to share. Either way, they find someone who needs them.