"With gathering restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we changed our approach to Holy Cross Cares '21, the alumni association's national volunteer event. We gave alumni, parents, and families the ability to choose volunteer opportunities that were most meaningful and convenient for them--either remote or in person (if feasible).
Our "volunteer from home" option, which we named Crusader Correspondence, was a letter-writing campaign to the eldest members of the Holy Cross alumni community: graduates over the age of 85. Volunteers could participate from the safety of their home and still make a valuable contribution. Their letter could uplift a Holy Cross elder. We have all felt the impact of isolation during the pandemic. For many elders, however, the sting of loneliness has been even more acute. Crusader Correspondence was an effort to connect with our Holy Cross elders, letting them know that we are with them and we care.
In total, 290 alumni and parent volunteers signed up for this effort, resulting in hand-written letters/notes to 684 elders from the graduating classes of 1940 through 1956."
From the Judges
The Crusader Correspondence Letter Writing Campaign is a unique twist (or pivot) on an initiative many universities do for incoming students. Holy Cross used this practice to reach older alumni during the pandemic and thus, provided an engaging opportunity for “at-risk” alumni who were isolated and for others who wanted to help. Alumni engaging with alumni—this shows a small, simple idea can make a huge impact.
