As all of our THON volunteers are on break and enjoying their family and friends, let us remember that in 56 days we will be dancing in THON!! This also means that it is now time to start writing letters and making packages for the dancers THON weekend. Today also marks the release of the brand new “How to Make and Send Mail” video and the release of the Mail Call informational website.

In the spring semester two morale teams, consisting of 72 people, will be sorting all of the packages and mail sent for the dancers. On average mail call receives over 2,500 packages and upwards of 80 to 100 pieces of mail for each of the 700 plus dancers.

They will be working hard leading right up until THON to prepare for Mail Call. What is Mail Call? Mall Call is the hour during THON weekend in which dancers receive letters and packages to keep them inspired to keep dancing and fighting for the kids. This inspiration comes at some point Sunday Morning when they are in need of the most support.  

This holiday season and winter break from school is the perfect time to start writing mail. As we all start to get busier leading up to THON, it is much harder to wait until the deadlines to start making mail. If you know people who are already selected to dance, join the festive spirit and start making making mail today!

 
Here is what you will need to make your mail and package making process easy and efficient:  

Important Dates

• January 17, 2012:
  • We will officially start sorting mail on January 17, 2012
• February 7, 2012:
  • If you are mailing letters or packages from outside of State College, please make sure to have it post-marked by February 7, 2012.    
  • All mail and packages that are post-marked after February 7th will be delivered to the dancers AFTER THON weekend.
• February 9, 2012 @ 7 PM:
  • If you are turning in mail and packages in person, everything must be turned in by 7 PM on February 9, 2012.
  • All mail and packages that are turned in after February 9th will be delivered to the dancers AFTER THON weekend.

Where to Turn Mail and Packages In

• 324 HUB
  • All letters should be turned into 324 HUB
  • There will be boxes placed outside of the room during normal business hours
• 327 HUB
  • All packages should be turned into 327 HUB
  • There will be a drop of location outside of the room

• Where to Mail in letters and packages (If outside of State College area)

                     Attn: Mail Call

                     Dancer Number, Dancer Name

                     210 Hetzel Union Building (HUB)

                     University Park, PA 16802 

What to Include In Mail and Packages

• ALL LETTERS AND PACKAGES MUST INCLUDE THE DANCER’S NUMBER (ex: 315 A) AND DANCER’S NAME (ex: John Doe)
• Letters
  • Inspirational quotes
  • Personal ancedotes
  • Pictures and drawings
  • Inspirational messages
  • Anything that will inspire a dancer to keep dancing
• Packages
  • Small games
  • Puzzles
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Photos
  • Crafted projects
  • Other things to keep the dancer entertained
  • NO CAFFEINE!
• Size Limitations
  • All packages must be no bigger than the size of a shoe box

Contact Us and Various Important Links

• Email us at : mail.call@thon.org
• Link to Mail Call informational webpage: http://www.thon.org/students/mail_call
• Link to Mail Call “How to Make and Send Mail” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnlTm6j-tN4

We hope that everyone is having an amazing holiday season!  Start making mail for all the dancers right away!  Whether it is anonymous, or for a friend, this will make a huge difference in their experience!