"It started in 1975 when Evans, from Whitehall, Pennsylvania, responded to a television commercial. It encouraged kids like her to send in their information and be matched up with a pen pal. McNiel's 5th-grade class in California was on the other end of the deal. She remembers her teacher handing out cards with names and addresses on them. She sent out two letters, but she only received a response from Evans."
"They decided they would finally meet in time for their 50th anniversary of friendship. McNiel flew to Pennsylvania with her husband to meet Evans and her husband at the Hotel Bethlehem. Then, they took a trip to Philadelphia to visit the Art Museum, Independence Hall, and Pat's King of Steaks. They continued to enjoy time together in Gettysburg and Hershey Park."
Two girls were matched as pen pals in 1975 after a television commercial and a teacher-distributed card exchange. One sent out two letters and received a single reply that grew into a half-century friendship maintained by mail, phone and social media. The pair decided to meet in person for their 50th anniversary and traveled together to Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Gettysburg and Hershey Park. One became a hair stylist and the other a photographer who now works on an accessible park project. The meeting marked a first in-person reunion and the friends plan to continue meeting and hope to inspire connections.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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