We dance pretty dang soon, folks.

In fewer than three weeks, hundreds of dancers will flock to the Bryce Jordan Center to stand and dance for 46 hours to raise as much money as they can For The Kids. Of course, those dancers can’t do all that work by themselves — they need the help of their friends and family.

That’s where dancer mail comes in. As dancers stand on the floor on the BJC floor for almost two full days, they’re able to receive love and support from those who care about them through dancer mail delivered to them throughout the event.

Dancers can receive letters and packages during THON Weekend, and no matter what is sent, dancer mail provides a small but mighty amount of encouragement during the 46 hours. 

To make sure your friend or family member receives your mail, follow our guide below. 

Deadline

Folks must drop off or send their packages by Wednesday, February 12. Mail can be dropped off in person at 215 Johnston Commons from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Wednesday, February 12.

Addressing Your Mail

If you can’t mail your package or letter to a dancer, don’t fret. Just postmark your mail by the February 12 deadline, and address it using the format listed below. 

Penn State Dance Marathon (Mail Call)

Attn: [Dancer’s name] [Dancer’s number] (ex: Matt Brown #180A)

227D Hetzel Union Building (HUB)

University Park, PA 16802

What To Send

Make sure to send something that will motivate your dancer. Past dancers have suggested, pictures, stories, and special memories with family or friends, skincare and hair products, lotion and lip balm, tennis balls and a change of socks, and fidget toys.

Try to avoid notes that would remind a dancer how tired they may be or how much time they have left. THON also recommends avoiding large, bulky objects since dancers have a limited amount of space to keep objects.

Folks with any questions can reach out to mail@thon.org.

About the Author