Free Greeting Cards; or, (literally) “It’s The Thought That Counts.”

Recently, just before her birthday, while we were in the grocery store, I walked my wife over to the greeting card section and selected a visually attractive card containing the appropriate prose, handed it to her and, asked her to read it. After a light kiss on her cheek I said “Happy Birthday. I love you.”, and placed the card back on the rack. Mission accomplished. She got the message for free without cluttering the dresser drawer any more than it already is with old greeting cards with very similar messages. She was not pleased with my approach but, after living with me for 57 years, she wasn’t surprised. But, of course, I used the ole time-tested, “It’s the thought that counts.”.

As a nation, we collectively invest a staggering $2.6 billion on greeting cards every year. Just think about the immense potential of redirecting this significant amount of money towards building brand-new schools. It might seem like an abstract concept at first, but let’s delve deeper into the possibilities.

Considering the estimated cost of a new high school ranging between $20 and $50 million, let’s take a moderate figure of $35 million for our calculations. With this in mind, we can harness the power of imagination and ascertain that our investment in greeting cards alone could potentially fund the construction of an impressive 74 new high schools which adds up helping 54,908 kids.

Now, let that sink in for a moment. Visualize 74 modern educational facilities sprouting up, each filled with eager learners, dedicated teachers, and state-of-the-art resources. These institutions would become the foundation of knowledge and growth, fostering the dreams and aspirations of countless students.

But it doesn’t stop there. These new schools would not only provide classrooms for academic pursuits but also act as community hubs, bringing people together, nurturing relationships, and promoting societal development. Imagine the impact it would have on generations to come.

Of course, the decision to allocate funds is a complex endeavor, involving various factors and considerations. However, this exercise serves as a reminder of the incredible potential that lies within redirecting financial resources towards tangible educational investments. It invites us to reflect on the priorities we set as a society and the impact those choices have on shaping the future.

So, the next time you’re perusing the card aisle, consider the possibility of transforming the greeting card budget into something even more significant and long-lasting. While heartfelt messages and gestures are undoubtedly important, let’s also encourage a discourse on channeling resources towards creating a stronger foundation for education and empowering future generations to reach their fullest potential.

54, 908 kids!

Yes, I did my homework on this one!