Question 1

What Happens After I Sign Up?

Accepted Answer

After you sign up, you should first get a verification email that we got your request. This verification email should be recieved within a day, and just means that you were put into our lists. Within 1-2 weeks, your pen pal partner will be determined. You will recieve their name (and not adress, as all letters are sent to the same location first) and who is supposed to send the first letter.

Question 2

How are Pen Pals Determined?

Accepted Answer

Your partner will largely be determined on age, date of registration, and interests- but if you are looking for someone specific make sure to tell us while you sign up on the Getting Started page. If you've already registered, feel free to email us and we'll reespond shortly!

Question 3

I Just Got the Name of My Partner! Now What?

Accepted Answer

Congratulations! After you recieve the name of your partner, you should recieve the name of who is going to send the first letter. The person who is chosen to send the first letter should send it within a week, meaning that you will recieve a letter within 10 days.

Question 4

What Happens if I Don't Recieve a Letter?

Accepted Answer

All participants of Quarentines are required to confirm they will send a response letter within a week, but sometimes things happen. If you think this has happened to you, we will make sure to send your partner a reminder email and/or text message. Do email us first!

Question 5

I'm Going on a Trip/Can't Resend a Letter Within a Week of Recieving it.

Accepted Answer

No worries! If you weren't able to let your partner know via your last letter, feel free to email us and we'll let them know :)

Question 6

How do I Send My Letter? How do Stamps Work?

Accepted Answer

Sending your letter is easy! Since the PO box the letter is being shipped to is within the US (and presumably, so are you), you should only need one stamp per letter- placed on the top right corner on the back of your envelope. These stamps can be bought in any post office and cost around 50 cents each. If cost is ever an issue for you, shoot us an email! We'd be more than happy to help you out.

Question 7

What Do I Do if I No Longer Want To Continue Sending Letters?

Accepted Answer

We're so sad to see you go :( Leaving isn't a problem, shoot us an email letting us know, and we'll let your parter know asap.

Question 8

I Feel Safe Enough to Start Sending Letters Directly to My Partner's Adress. Can I Do This?

Accepted Answer

While this is out of our hands, we don't suggest it for safety reasons. If you choose to do this, be positive you can trust your partner, and write us an email letting us know that you are no longer a part of quarentines (as we can't advise doing this).

Question 9

How Long Does All of This Last?

Accepted Answer

As long as you want it to! While Quarentines was only supposed to last throughout the summer, it now seems that it may go on for a bit longer than that. If that seems to be the case, feel free to continue sending letters for as long as you'd like. If you feel like you are satisfied with your pen pal experience, let your pen pal and us know, and we can remove both of you off of our lists.

Question 10

Can I Volunteer to Help with Quarentines?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Send us an email, and we can let you know how/if we need help. SSL hours can be given for any volunteer help we recieve.

Frequently asked questions