These days most football clubs have community and charity connections with staff determining whether a worthy cause fits with the club’s plans. If letters are sent to players asking for support then these quite often are handled by other personnel. Back in the 1970s things were different.
On 31 May 1974 this article appeared in a newspaper in the north east following a tragedy at sea. A letter had been sent to Colin Bell asking if he could help raise funds for the dependents of four men drowned in the tragedy. Not only did Colin reply, but he sent a signed football and arranged for his sister to attend the fundraising draw. He had hoped to be there himself but he was on international duty.
For Colin, replying to supporter or charity letters like this was something that mattered.
Gary James' Football Archive 