Letters of Faith is more than just another service club at Dinuba High—it’s a movement of compassion. Founded in 2023, the club’s mission is to uplift hospital patients through handwritten letters filled with encouragement, artwork, and personal messages. Members regularly visit local hospitals like Valley Children’s and Kaweah Health in Visalia, where they deliver letters, teddy bears, and smiles. “We just want them to feel seen and supported,” said sophomore Marissa Rodriguez, the club’s executive founder and president.

To ensure each letter is meaningful, the Letters of Faith council reviews every one submitted. “We ask members to avoid phrases like ‘get well soon’ because that’s not always possible,” Rodriguez explained. Instead, the focus is on strength, kindness, and perseverance. Each letter must be at least one page long, colorful, and decorated with drawings or thoughtful to

uches. Some students go above and beyond—one even painted her letter with watercolors.

Though the club’s heart is rooted in the Central Valley, its impact has reached far beyond. Letters of Faith has expanded to over 70 locations, including chapters in Botswana, Toronto, and the United Arab Emirates. “Getting started was tough,” Rodriguez admitted. “I sent out emails to schools and principals and wouldn’t hear back for months. But now, it’s grown into something I never imagined.” Each month, a small group of council members hand-delivers letters to local hospitals, ensuring patients feel remembered and loved.

Letters of Faith also hosts events to promote mental health awareness, especially among younger students. “We’re planning an event for elementary schools with letter-writing stations, games, and activities that connect back to mental health,” Rodriguez said. “It’s fun but also meaningful.” The club uses creativity as a tool for connection with student engagement in a way that’s both impactful and inclusive.

What makes Letters of Faith stand out is its purpose. While many clubs offer service hours, this one offers something more personal. “We genuinely make a difference,” Rodriguez said. “If people could see the reactions of the patients and families, they’d understand how powerful a simple letter can be.” With plans to grow even more in the coming year, Letters of Faith continues to prove that small gestures can leave a lasting mark all around.