We make it a habit to say thank you often in the 4-H world. So much of what we do depends on the generosity of others, both in time and resources, that it’s a natural response.

Each year in November, we plan a recognition banquet to honor volunteers for reaching milestones of service and for supporting 4-H programming. It’s important to recognize the sacrifices that our volunteers make for our 4-H youth. We want volunteers to know that their contributions to 4-H do not go unnoticed, and that their time is valued.

The annual recognition banquet also is a time to thank 4-H’ers for serving alongside adult volunteers on boards and committees, and to highlight their achievements during the past year.

Currently, our office is in the midst of collecting thank-you notes from more than 1,400 exhibitors who sold an animal or received an add-on donation in the Wayne County Junior Fair Livestock sales Sept. 10 and 11. In order for these exhibitors to receive their sale checks, they must first bring their stamped and addressed thank-you notes to the Extension office.

It takes several weeks to collect auction invoices and to prepare the large check mailing, so exhibitors have plenty of time to complete the task. This year, they are thanking buyers who spent more than $2 million (including $199,932 in add-ons) to support junior fair youth with their animal projects. That’s a record amount of support for our 4-H youth, and certainly worthy of thanks, both verbally and in handwritten form.

Writing thank-you notes is a valuable life skill taught in the 4-H program. 4-H youth also are expected to send thank-you notes to their award sponsors, scholarship donors and anyone who supported their project efforts. Thanking buyers, sponsors and volunteers strengthens relationships and encourages future support.

While verbal expressions of gratitude are effective, a handwritten note is a tangible and personal record of appreciation. It provides a chance for a member to reflect on the generosity of others and the impact of their support.

Here are some helpful tips on writing thank-you notes that we offer to our 4-Hers.

• Be personal: When possible, use the person’s name. Begin with a proper salutation like 'Dear Mr. Jones,' or Dear (company name).'

• Be specific: The first part of any thank you should include the specific reason for saying thank you. If the person you are thanking purchased something, cite the item. If they donated time or sponsored something, describe it.

• Explain the impact: Share how you will use the money from a sale or how the donation/sponsorship will help your 4-H project or your future goals, such as contributing to a college fund.

• Explain why you appreciated what you received and how it benefits you or how you will use it. This is also a great time to share what you learned, or what you hope to do in the future. Close by repeating the thank you and signing your name.

• Be timely: Thank-you notes should be sent out as soon as possible. Sending them out within a month is recommended.

When expressing gratitude aloud, be sincere and specific. Look the person in the eye and address them by name. Your tone of voice should express the sincerity of your thank you.

Technology makes it easy to call, email or send a text with an emoji, but it just isn’t the same as receiving a note in the mail. A thank-you note may seem like a small thing, but it carries a big message of appreciation and gratitude more than any text ever has. It is always the right thing to do.

Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaes.osu.edu/nondiscrimination. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility
This article was previously published in The Daily Record.