FAQ
Spread Love Across America is a mission to spread kindness, hope, and unity through postcards. We offer two ways to participate:
- Send a Smile Service: Let us handle everything! Choose a design, and we’ll send postcards with your chosen message to random recipients across the U.S.
- Spread Love Bundles: Receive beautifully designed postcards and a list of addresses to send them to. You address, stamp, and mail the cards yourself. Postage is not included.
How does the Spread Love Bundle work?
When you purchase a Spread Love Bundle, you’ll receive:
- A set of 25, 50, or 100 postcards in your chosen design. For larger bundles please contact us using either the form on the web site or by emailing info@spreadloveacrossamerica.com.
- A digital file with the same number of randomly selected U.S. addresses (no personal names, only addresses).
You can personalize the pre-printed messages, address the postcards, and mail them to spread joy and connection. Postage is not included.
What is the Send a Smile Service?
With the Send a Smile Service, we handle everything for you:
- Choose the design from our categories of Hope, Kindness, and Unity.
- We print and send postcards to random addresses in the U.S. on your behalf.
- You’ll receive an update on the cities and states your postcards reached.
How can simple acts of kindness benefit mental health?
Kindness doesn’t just brighten someone else’s day—it benefits your mental health too! According to the American Psychiatric Association, kindness can:
- Boost happiness by releasing feel-good chemicals like serotonin.
- Reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels.
- Strengthen social connections and combat loneliness.
- Improve physical health by promoting relaxation and heart health.
Sending a heartfelt message through Spread Love Across America spreads joy and nurtures well-being for everyone involved!
Who receives the postcards?
Postcards are sent to randomly selected addresses across the U.S. We never include personal names or other identifying information, ensuring privacy while creating meaningful connections.
Do recipients know who sent the postcard?
The postcard contains a link to our website so recipients can learn more about the mission of Spread Love Across America. No sender information is shared with recipients. We value the privacy of our senders and our recipients.
How are the addresses chosen?
Addresses are selected from OpenAddresses.io, a public, non-personally identifiable data source. First a state is randomly chosen using a number generator (1-50), then a city or county within that state is chosen the same way. Within that area, individual addresses are given a random identifier than sorted, ensuring fairness and inclusivity.
We’re currently piloting the Spread Love concept, so address selection is manual. For that reason, if you purchase multiple cards using the Send a Smile service or a bundle, they will go to random addresses in the same city or county.
Do I need to buy stamps for the Spread Love Bundle?
Yes. Postage is not included with the Spread Love Bundle. You’ll need to add stamps before mailing your postcards. For standard postcards in the U.S., a single postcard stamp will suffice.
Can I choose who receives the postcards?
To preserve the spirit of random kindness, postcards are sent to randomly selected addresses.
If you purchase a Spread Love Bundle, you will receive a list of random addresses but are welcome to send the cards to any addresses you like.
Can I see where my postcards are sent?
Yes! You’ll receive general details about the cities and states where your postcards were sent when the order is shipped. No specific names or addresses will be shared.
What are the postcard designs?
Our postcards feature themes of Hope, Kindness, and Unity. Each design is thoughtfully created to inspire positivity and connection.
The postcard artwork was generated by Adobe Firefly. New designs may be added over time!
Can I include my own custom message?
- For the Spread Love Bundle, you can add your own personalization to the pre-printed messages on the postcards before mailing them.
- For the Send a Smile Service, you’ll select from pre-written messages within the Hope, Kindness, or Unity categories.
How much does it cost?
- Spread Love Bundles: Prices depend on the bundle size (25, 50, or 100 postcards). Postage is not included.
- Send a Smile Service: The Send a Smile Service costs $1.50 per postcard which includes printing, processing, and mailing costs.
Is this a nonprofit?
Spread Love Across America is currently being piloted to determine viability. If there is enough interest in this service to start an organization, it will operate as a social enterprise. While we are not nonprofit, our mission is to create meaningful connections and spread kindness, with every purchase supporting this purpose.
How can I share my experience?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your experience on any social media platform using the hashtag #SpreadLove. You can also leave a review on our website.
How can I contact you with questions?
Feel free to reach out to us through our Contact Us page on the website or email us directly at info@spreadloveacrossamerica.com. We’re happy to help!