National Thank You Letter Day is November 14, 2021 - Elementary Students Learn Important Lesson on Gratitude & Kindness
Published: November 13, 2021
Our country has found itself in turbulent times. Between the viral pandemic, civil unrest, and political polarization, it’s easy to overlook those people for whom we are truly grateful; those people who have dedicated their lives to helping others, to saving lives, to educating our youth, to making a difference in this world.
That’s why this year on National Thank You Letter Day, students around the country are being asked to “Thank it Forward.” National Thank You Letter Day is the brainchild of social activist, literacy advocate and the “Pied Piper of Civility” Carew Papritz, who created the yearly celebration to teach children—and remind adults—about the personal importance of paying gratitude forward in their daily lives.
“National Thank You Letter Day has always been about showing gratitude,” says Papritz, the award-winning author of the book The Legacy Letters. “This year, we are asking students to take the time to recognize those people that they believe have had an impact on the lives of those around them, such as teachers, parents, first responders, local leaders; anyone that has made a difference in someones’ life.”
Teaching Gratitude, Kindness, Manners, & Civility- National Thank You Letter Day was conceived not only to teach kids about the importance of gratitude, kindness, manners, and civility, but also an opportunity to teach critical literacy and communication skills. “Between social media, texting and remote learning, traditional communication skills are falling by the wayside,” says Papritz. “National Thank You Letter Day is designed to help children get back to basics, and to show gratitude at the same time.”
World’s Largest Thank You Letter– In previous years, Papritz and students from his home town of Green Valley, Arizona drew large crowds with the creation of the World’s Largest Thank You Letter in 2018, and in 2019 mailing the letter through the US Postal service postmarked with the World’s Largest Stamp and Envelope.
Spreading the Word- This year, he is asking not just students, but school districts to take part as well. “We want students to “Thank it Forward” by sending along a thank you letter to someone they are grateful for, but we also ask that school districts “Thank it Forward” as well by highlighting the students’ letters on social media with the hashtag #NTYLD,” says Papritz. “Together, we can make gratuity go viral.”
Carew Papritz, also known as The Cowboy Philosopher, is the author of the multi-award winning book The Legacy Letters. Though fictional, The Legacy Letters has won acclaim as a life lessons book for all generations, gaining the distinction of being the only book in publishing history to win awards in both fiction and non-fiction categories. A Renaissance Man in an age that lauds the specialist, The Huffington Post says Papritz “intrigues and enlightens, charms and catalyzes change for every reader.”
As part of his many innovative and adventurous first-ever book signings, Carew truly lives his book’s central message to “live life to the fullest” while signing books on top of volcanoes and horses. These events and other YouTube videos, such as the “I Love to Read” series and his annual literacy-driven charity event, “The Great Book Balloon Launch,” inspire kids and adults to rediscover the joy of reading! Proceeds of the summer’s sales of The Legacy Letters went to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Proceeds from his recent “First-Ever Book Signing while Stomping Grapes” went to the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Other charities include Reading is Fundamental and the Military Mama’s Network.