The Pennsylvania Associate of Intermediate Units launched the PA Pen Pal Project on Thursday for all 500 school districts across the state.

The project is a Schuylkill County initiative that was presented to the PAIU for statewide implementation.

“This idea was formulated out of an idea from the Response, Recovery, & Renewal Task Force that meets weekly to discuss collaborative efforts to benefit the citizens of Schuylkill County,” said Greg Koons, Schuylkill IU29 executive director.

“The task force includes area leaders from business, legislative, education, and health care arenas.”

The purpose of the project is to spread positivity to residents in long-term facilities who have had limited or no contact with loved ones. Over the past month, students at IU29 piloted this project with very meaningful results.

“The students of Schuylkill County will be our future leaders, and we are excited for this initiative to get traction across the commonwealth,” Koons said.

“They will be learning valuable leadership skills with citizenship, community service, and gratitude that will provide a lifetime of benefit.”

The project will run through Dec. 25 and is for students in grades K-12.

Students will write letters and draw pictures and send them to the residents. The pandemic has affected everyone, and the PAIU hopes the project can bring some hope, love and support as the holiday season approaches.