[andreilys]

I'm not sure you'd get quite the same from the things you listed, perhaps a little...?

The note from your daughter, while sweet, can also come from those you help. For example, sponsoring a childrens school in India, or mentoring an orphan through a Big Brother program.

I think the main point here is you are in service by helping others, instead of focusing on yourself.

[redisman]

If the customer relations specialist from one of the charities I donate to wrote me a note about how much they love me I’m not sure how I would feel about that

[emodendroket]

It could be but realistically, is that going to be anywhere close to as moving from someone you've never met? And on their side too, they may appreciate the help, but you're not exactly going to replace their parents in their hearts. It's just a totally different level of engagement.

[andreilys]

Big brother/sister programs are highly personal where you interact with the person directly.

I imagine it’d be incredibly fulfilling to know that you helped coach a troubled youth through a turbulent period to land in a good place.