In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, sometimes one kind word from a stranger is all it takes to turn someone’s whole day around.

That’s exactly what Lindsay Morgan intended when she started volunteering her time to write letters to hospice patients, kids and elders through different nonprofit organizations.

Morgan was writing letters to the elderly through an organization called Love for Our Elders, which works to alleviate social isolation among seniors by encouraging people to write heartfelt, handwritten letters that get mailed to older individuals.

Through an application process with the organization, her submission was selected and she was provided with a mailbox for her community.

“South Lyon has such a heartbeat for community, so I basically told that story and they sent me the mailbox,” Morgan said. “Now I’ve been trying to pick it up and run with it as best as I can.”

Now, she’s spearheading a letter-writing initiative for Lyon-area residents to be able to brighten someone’s day with a kind message. The community care mailbox can be found inside of Little Threads Children’s Resale Shoppe, located at 21204 Pontiac Trail in South Lyon.

As a mother of two young kids, Morgan discovered Little Threads while searching for affordable clothing for her fast-growing children. A friendship quickly formed between Morgan and the shop’s owner, Kristen Evans.

“Kristen is very involved in the community and has such a vibrant and kind personality,” Morgan said.

When the mailbox opportunity arose, Evans immediately offered her store as a home for the project.

The goal of the mailbox is to bring smiles to hospitalized kids and elders in the community. The box is complete with blank cards, markers and even ideas on what to write or draw, and the rules are simple: grab a card, write a heartfelt note and drop it in the mailbox. Morgan then takes the cards and delivers them to local children’s hospitals and senior care centers.

The letters go to people who often feel isolated, and receiving a kind message from a stranger is an easy way to genuinely turn someone’s day around.

“Whether it’s a quote, a Bible verse, a joke or a picture, that’s all it really takes to help people feel noticed and like they’re still connected to the community,” Morgan said.

“We all want to feel like we belong.”

It’s surprisingly easy for people to talk themselves out of performing acts of kindness due to nervousness, anxiety or fear, but letter writing removes the barriers that may stop people from getting involved.

“You don’t need time or money for it, just a moment of intention, and it can truly turn someone’s day around,” Morgan said.

Those who are interested in contributing to the community care mailbox can stop by Little Threads during business hours. For more information or to learn how to get involved with letter writing for nonprofit organizations, email Morgan at lburgs92@gmail.com.