MARION, Ohio — After a pen pal program was launched with OhioHealth nearly a year ago, two pen pals in Marion County finally put a face to the name they've been writing to.
The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities partnered with OhioHealth to develop their pen pal program. They currently have 45 matches of pen pals who are exchanging letters.
Now two of those pen pals finally got to meet in person.
Maggie Purvis, a freshman in high school, and Lynn Carey, who works at Marion General Hospital, most likely wouldn't have ever met had it not been for the pen pal program. But ever since they were paired up in the program, the two have learned everything from their likes, dislikes, hobbies and so much more.
"As we've written our letters to each other, more and more has come out. It's neat to share what we have alike and then learn some differences," Carey said.
In one of the exchanges, Carey sent Purvis a bracelet that she made sure to wear on her wrist to their first meeting.
When asked what she felt the bracelet meant to her, Purvis said "Friendship."
The goal of the pen pal program is to connect individuals in the community and spread a bit of joy. And it seems that's exactly what it's done.
"So much joy and just a friend. [Purvis's] mother told me that when she gets those letters in the mail, the excitement and her smile is just everlasting for the rest of the day," said Nikki Workman, director of communications at the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. "But beyond that, it's that friendship that's being made."
The moment the two saw each other for the first time, they embraced in a bone-crushing hug.
Even with the barrier of a pen and paper taken away, the two began chatting with each other just like they do in their handwritten letters.
Purvis said that after meeting Carey, she feels that their friendship will get even better.
"We've been pencil friends. Now we're gonna have a face, a voice and a memory," Carey said.
The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves around 800 people annually and they welcome the community to join their pen pal program.