Community Guidelines

Welcome to Paper Hugs ❤️

Every Paper Hug begins with one simple idea:

A few kind words can make someone's day a little brighter.

Our community exists to spread encouragement, hope, and human connection through handwritten letters.

Whether your Paper Hug reaches an elderly resident, a veteran, a hospital patient, someone in hospice, or another person experiencing loneliness, we ask that every message be written with compassion and respect.

Our Mission

Paper Hugs exists to remind people they haven't been forgotten.

Every handwritten letter is an opportunity to make someone smile, feel seen, or simply know that someone cared enough to write.

Because many recipients may be experiencing difficult circumstances, we carefully review every message before it is mailed.

What Makes a Great Paper Hug?

The best Paper Hugs are:

• ❤️ Kind
• ❤️ Encouraging
• ❤️ Respectful
• ❤️ Genuine
• ❤️ Hopeful

You don't have to write something profound.

Sometimes the simplest words are the most meaningful.

Examples:

• "I hope today brings you a reason to smile."
• "Even though we've never met, I wanted you to know someone is thinking about you."
• "Thank you for being part of this world. I hope you have a wonderful day."
• "Sending you a little sunshine from Texas."

What We Don't Allow

To protect both senders and recipients, Paper Hugs does not allow messages containing:

• Hate speech or discrimination
• Harassment or bullying
• Threats or intimidation
• Obscene or sexually explicit content
• Graphic violence
• Illegal activity
• Political campaigning or fundraising
• Requests for money
• Medical, legal, or financial advice
• Commercial advertising or promotions
• Personal contact information
• Requests for recipients to contact you
• Attempts to identify or locate recipients
• Spam or repetitive messages
• Content intended to manipulate, shame, or guilt the recipient

Messages that violate these guidelines may be rejected or returned for revision.

Respect Privacy

Recipients remain anonymous.

Please do not include:

• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Social media usernames
• Mailing addresses
• QR codes
• Links to websites
• Invitations to contact you

Paper Hugs is designed to be a one-way act of kindness.

Keep It Inclusive

Recipients come from many different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and life experiences.

We encourage messages that are welcoming and inclusive.

Avoid assuming:

• Religious beliefs
• Political views
• Family situations
• Health conditions
• Personal identities
• Life experiences

Kindness connects people regardless of their differences.

Religious Messages

You're welcome to share words that reflect your own hope and encouragement.

However, please avoid messages that pressure recipients to adopt specific religious beliefs or suggest that they should change their faith.

Examples that are generally appropriate:

• "You're in my thoughts today."
• "I'm wishing you peace and comfort."

Examples that are generally not appropriate:

• "You need to accept my faith."
• "Your beliefs are wrong."

Political Messages

Paper Hugs is not a platform for political advocacy.

Please avoid:

• Campaign messages
• Political endorsements
• Requests to vote
• Criticism of political groups or individuals

Our goal is to create moments of human connection, not debate.

Keep It Positive

Many recipients may be facing loneliness, illness, grief, or major life challenges.

Try to write messages that leave them feeling encouraged.

Instead of focusing on sadness, focus on hope.

Instead of giving advice, offer kindness.

Instead of trying to solve someone's problems, remind them they're valued.

Write From the Heart

Your message doesn't need to be perfect.

Authenticity matters far more than perfect grammar.

Write the kind of note you'd want to receive on a difficult day.

Message Review

Every Paper Hug is reviewed before it is handwritten and mailed.

Our review process helps ensure messages are:

• Safe
• Respectful
• Appropriate
• Encouraging

If a message doesn't meet these guidelines, we may:

• Ask you to edit it
• Decline to send it
• Refund or restore your Paper Hug credit when appropriate

Our Promise

Every Paper Hug is:

• 🖋️ Handwritten with real pen and ink
• 📬 Mailed on real paper
• ❤️ Reviewed with care
• 🏡 Delivered through trusted partner organizations
• 🔒 Designed to protect everyone's privacy

Thank You

Thank you for helping make the world a little kinder.

Every Paper Hug represents more than a handwritten letter.

It represents a moment of connection.

A reminder that someone cares.

And proof that even small acts of kindness can travel a long way.

Thank you for sending hope, one Paper Hug at a time. ❤️