Baldwin native Gianna Grullon writes letters for sick children

Baldwin native and Alvernia University student Gianna Grullon is spreading joy to sick children through handcrafted letters.

Grullon recently participated in an initiative organized by Alvernia’s Pura Vida Club in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Letters of Love. The event aimed to create handcrafted letters for children grappling with cancer and terminal illnesses, offering them support and encouragement during their challenging times.

“Through the cards, we hope that each child who receives a card knows that they are loved, supported, and never alone,” Jonny Division Martinez, vice president of Pura Vida wrote in a news release. “We want to show that we can change the world with small acts of kindness.”

The inspiration for this endeavor stemmed from Letters of Love, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy to children facing adversity by sending them letters filled with love and encouragement. By collaborating with Pura Vida, they sought to make a positive impact in the community while embodying Alvernia’s Franciscan values of service and humility.

“I love what Letters of Love provides for the kids in the hospital, and I can say I am a part of something that helps kids smile,” Yessica Abreu Robinson, president of Pura Vida wrote.

Beyond the letter-writing event, Pura Vida actively engages in promoting understanding of political, educational, and social issues affecting the Latinx/Hispanic community. Through various events and volunteering initiatives within the Alvernia community, they foster positive cross-cultural engagement.

Alvernia University, established in 1958 by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, is a Catholic comprehensive university known for its liberal arts foundation. Serving over 3,000 students across Reading, Pottsville, and Philadelphia, Alvernia offers a unique educational experience that combines rigorous liberal arts education with technical training in high-demand majors, along with extensive experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad programs and internships. Additionally, the university emphasizes community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model.