Hallmark Gives Away Greeting Cards for Essential Workers

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. warmly / ˈwɔrmli / (adv) – in an eager or excited way
    Example:

    Most employees warmly received the announcement about the company’s new CEO.


  2. uplifting / ʌpˈlɪf tɪŋ / (adj) – causing comfort, hope, and happiness
    Example:

    A lot of famous artists are doing uplifting performances online.


  3. heroic / hɪˈroʊ ɪk / (adj) – describing someone who possesses qualities of a hero
    Example:

    After the man saved the drowning kid, a lot of people praised him for his heroic act.


  4. cheer up (someone) / ʧɪr ʌp / (phrasal) – to make someone happy
    Example:

    My dog never fails to cheer up everyone in the family.


  5. gratitude / ˈgræt ɪˌtud / (n) – the state of being thankful
    Example:

    I make sure to express gratitude for all the blessings I receive.


Article

Read the text below.

Greeting card company Hallmark has given away millions of thank-you cards for essential workers in the United States.


The company’s Care Enough project has tried to bring people closer through card writing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The project started in March when Hallmark announced that it was donating two million thank-you cards so people could send messages of love and support to one another.


Because the initiative was warmly received, Hallmark then decided to give away another two million cards. This time, the giveaways included thank-you cards specifically for those who work in the frontlines. Hallmark is encouraging people to send them to workers in food and goods provision, healthcare, and other essential services.


People living in the United States can receive a set of three cards for free by going to Hallmark’s Care Enough website and registering their names and addresses.


The three-card set includes uplifting messages such as “You are so amazing!” and “What you do matters a lot.” Another card that says, “Not all heroes wear capes,” features a customizable cover.


Hallmark CEO Mike Perry acknowledged the heroic and inspiring efforts of workers in the frontlines. With the card-giving project, Hallmark hopes to spread positivity and cheer up essential workers during the global health crisis. Lindsey Roy, an executive from the company, said that expressing gratitude and recognizing these people’s efforts can make them feel honored and appreciated.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think Hallmark should expand its initiative to other countries? Why or why not?
• If you could send a Hallmark thank-you card to someone, who would it be? Explain.

Discussion B

• How do people commonly show gratitude in your country? Explain.
• Is saying “thank you” enough to express appreciation or gratitude to someone? Why or why not?