For one surname I was researching, I did a phone directory search for the state I found the family in in 1930 census. Found about 15 names and snail mailed them a packet containing a letter explaining my relationship to said family, etc. Also, included a couple of pages asking whether he/she was related to said family, whether or not he/she would be interested in further contact, or if they would pass on the letter to anyone else who may be interested. I always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For the most part, contacts passed it on to the family historians who contacted me. It was really exciting to be invited to one of their family reunions, especially since my "connection" was to their father's first wife. Judy in VA