Greetings of Gratitude Project Honors Local Health, Education and Essential Workers Amid Pandemic

Photo Submitted

Shalini Rana (front left) and Zoe Ance (fourth from left) of the Service Learning Initiative Share Greetings of Gratitude Cards with Chartwells' staff.

Last October, the University of Arkansas Service Learning Initiative launched the "Greetings of Gratitude" project to honor local health, education, and essential workers for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the six-month long project, local high school students, U of A students, faculty, and staff across campus submitted over 3,000 handwritten and typed 'thank you' notes in both English and Spanish to recognize the individuals who have been working hard to keep our campus and local community safe and running during this challenging time.

Throughout the month of April, members of the Service Learning Initiative delivered cards on campus to University Housing, Chartwells Dining staff, Facilities Management, Pat Walker Health Center, and the School of Nursing. Cards were also delivered throughout Northwest Arkansas—including to the City of Fayetteville, Mercy Hospital, Washington Regional Medical Center, Washington County Department of Health, Butterfield Trail Village, Willard Walker Hospice Home, and local schools such as Fayetteville High and Leverett Elementary.

We thank the individuals in both our campus community and the greater Northwest Arkansas community for their service during the pandemic. We also thank those who submitted thank you notes to express their appreciation.

Please visit the Service Learning Initiative on Facebook, Instagram, and our website for more information on the Initiative.