A ten-year-old's big heart fuels Happy Letters Project

CASHMERE - What began as a simple lesson in kindness in a Cashmere preschool a decade ago has blossomed into a movement touching lives across Washington state. Happy Letters, the brainchild of former preschool owner Traci Pierson, encourages and empowers children to spread joy and support “to people who could use a smile” through colorful, hand-drawn letters.

“I started Happy Letters in 2015... to teach kids the importance of giving back,” says Pierson. Since then, Happy Letters has become a 501c3 non-profit, partnering with over twenty schools and businesses in the Wenatchee Valley. Students of all ages create uplifting letters, filled with drawings and messages of hope. The letters are then sent to the likes of veterans, children’s hospitals, cancer treatment facilities, retirement homes, and anyone in need of some cheer.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others,” reads a quote from Audrey Hepburn on the Happy Letters website, reflecting the organization’s ethos. And Happy Letters is more than just writing. 

This year, inspired by 10-year-old Aviya Garcia, a young Cashmere girl with a passion for helping others, the organization is launching the Happy Letter Art Drive. This initiative will provide art supply packets to children in foster care, offering them a creative outlet and a sense of connection. Aviya’s interest in helping children in foster care began a few years ago when she explored the foster process through a Washington Department of Social and Health Services intake.

“Happy Letters to me means fun while helping my community and brings joy to other people,” says Aviya, who enjoys art, drawing, and cooking. “I just want to help foster kids. I want them to know that other people are thinking about them and care and love them.” She cites her grandfather as a source of inspiration, encouraging her artistic talents. 

“Aviya has such a big heart,” says Pierson. “She came up with the idea of making Happy Letter Art Packets for children in foster care, and we worked together to make it happen.”

The drive follows the success of last year’s effort led by 11-year-old Paelyn Lueondee of Cashmere, which resulted in well over a thousand Happy Letters and hundreds of book packets being donated to children’s hospitals in Seattle and Wenatchee.

The community has rallied behind Aviya’s initiative, with schools, businesses, and individuals eager to contribute. Donation drop-off locations for art supplies have been set up in Cashmere and Wenatchee.

Looking to the future, Pierson envisions Happy Letters expanding statewide and beyond. “We want to continue growing and spreading kindness wherever we can,” she shares. “Happy Letters is about connections. My hope is that no matter how big we grow, we always maintain that personal, heartfelt touch that makes each letter special.”

How to Get Involved:

• Make Happy Letters: Teachers and schools interested in participating can contact Traci Pierson at makehappyletters@gmail.com.
• Donate Art Supplies: Anyone can drop off new art supplies at designated locations in Cashmere: the library, That Pizza Place, and Weeds Cafe; in Wenatchee at Blue Spoon.
• Donate Funds: Visit makehappyletters.org to make a financial contribution or to view the organization’s Amazon Wishlist.
• Volunteer: Contact makehappyletters@gmail.com to join the Happy Letters volunteer team.

Happy Letters is a testament to the power of children’s empathy and the impact a simple act of kindness can have. Through their colorful creations and heartfelt messages, these young letter writers, like Aviya, are making the world a little brighter, one Happy Letter at a time.

Caroline Menna is an intern for Ward Media and a senior at Cascade High School, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s Publications Group.