LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE - The death of Kelly Thomas' grandmother several years ago left a void in her life, a void the 17-year-old thinks has developed into a close attachment to seniors everywhere.

As part of Flintridge Preparatory School's community service requirement, Kelly began playing piano with her brother, John, at convalescent and senior homes throughout the community. "I saw how bored the seniors looked and how forlorn, lost and lonely they were without their families," she said. From that experience, she decided to create a pen pal Web site that puts seniors in touch with others around the world.

Over the weekend, she was rewarded for her effort with a new computer system.  Kelly entered a nation-wide contest that links "good-deed" doers with participating doctors. "I chose Kelly because her essay caught my attention," Glendale dentist Kamran Sahabi said. "Mostly, I was impressed with her knowledge about what she was talking about." Sahabi donated a computer as a prize, which Kelly said she will put to good use. Right now she shares one at home with John and her mother, Bonnie. "I live my life online," she said. "Every chance I get, I'm on the computer checking e-mail, checking for things you can do."

The pen pal Web site, www.writeseniors.com, is home to 100's of regulars, but 1000's of seniors have communicated with each other one way or another since its creation last summer. A standout e-mail for Kelly came from a 92-year-old, blind English woman who liked to travel on ocean liners. A standout e-mail for Kelly came from a 92-year-old, blind English woman who liked to travel on ocean liners. "I can relate to her, especially because, last year, my dad developed glaucoma and almost lost his vision," Kelly said. "It's so great for this sweet old lady who has traveled all over the world to be able to communicate again with others." 

Since his grandchildren developed the Web site, Glendale resident Gordon Brown has been very busy. "I've had a pretty rich life, and it's another aspect of life, putting me in touch not only with seniors, but kids across the country in elementary and junior high schools asking me questions about the wars I've been in," the retired educator said. "Some people are old, divorced, single and need someone to talk and pour out their hearts, and this makes their lives so much better."