The Power of a Personal Touch: How Harvesters and Hallmark Build Lasting Relationships

Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Harvesters, via Facebook

In a world dominated by automation and digital communication, Harvesters stands out by keeping it personal. Serving 27 counties across northeastern Kansas and Missouri and working with over 100 partner organizations, Harvesters’ approach is rooted in empathy, human connection, and the belief that food is a human right.

Recognized for Impact

In 2025, Harvesters was named a United Way Impact 100 partner, a distinction awarded to organizations making the most measurable, meaningful difference in their communities. For Harvesters, this honor is more than a line of recognition—it’s a testament to decades of showing up for families across Kansas and Missouri with empathy, urgency, and trust.

“This recognition isn’t just about funding,” says Jillain Williams, Director of Philanthropy. “It’s about trust. We can use the resources where they’re needed most. It’s a trust-based relationship,” adds Jillain. “In a time of funding cuts and rising need, that trust allows us to act fast and smart.”

In a climate of shrinking budgets and rising demand, that trust means everything. It allows Harvesters to pivot fast, fill gaps, and stay focused on their core mission: ensuring food is treated as a human right. Being named an Impact 100 partner signals not only excellence in outcomes, but also the confidence that Harvesters will continue to turn every dollar, every donation, and every relationship into lasting change.

And just as United Way has placed its trust in Harvesters, Harvesters makes it a priority to extend that same spirit of trust and gratitude to every donor, partner, and peer organization. Their belief is simple: when people feel valued, they stay connected. That’s where Hallmark comes in.

The Power of a Card

Beyond dollars and data, Harvesters invests in relationships. Their partnership with Hallmark makes gratitude tangible, using handwritten cards to strengthen the bonds that sustain their mission.

Kristin Griffin, Senior Manager of Philanthropy - Major Gifts, shared how she created personalized cards featuring her photo and a handwritten message, sent in a Hallmark envelope. “The response has been amazing,” she said. “It puts a face to the name and shows donors we see them as individuals.”

Cindy Ptacek, Senior Manager of Philanthropy - Annual Giving, noted that since sending handwritten cards to mid-level donors (the “Full Table Club”), their retention rate has soared above 70%. “People feel seen and heard. They know they’re more than a number.”

A Culture of Gratitude

Harvesters doesn’t stop at thanking donors. They apply the same care to uplifting other nonprofits. Jillain shared how the team celebrates wins across the nonprofit sector. “If Amethyst Place gets $2 million from MacKenzie Scott, we’re thrilled. When they win, we all win.”

This outward-facing generosity underscores Harvesters’ belief that community change isn’t a competition, but rather a collaboration. And that culture of gratitude extends beyond their professional networks; it’s personal too.

A Tradition Rooted in Family

For some team members, the Hallmark connection is deeply personal. Jillain Williams shared how handwritten Hallmark cards from her mother have shaped her life. “My mom’s first job was at Hallmark. Even now, she types out messages and tucks them into a card because her handwriting is shaky. But she still sends them. And I keep them all.”

Jillain even keeps her own personal stash of Hallmark cards at her desk, ready to send to anyone who might need a moment of encouragement or celebration. “These cards feel like part of our family,” she said. “And we use them to make others feel like part of ours.”

How Hallmark Cards Cultivate Donor Loyalty

The team at Harvesters has countless stories of donors reaching out after receiving a handwritten card:

Jane Tocco, Philanthropy Manager - Individual Giving, received calls from donors touched by her notes. “It all started with a card. That simple thank-you turned into ongoing relationships, volunteer opportunities, and even matching gifts.”

Others described how receiving a card led to conversations about tours, deeper involvement, and long-term commitment.

Kristin summed it up: “When people see a handwritten envelope in their mailbox, they know it’s special. It’s not marketing, it’s meaningful.”

Photo courtesy of Harvesters, via Facebook

Lessons for Other Nonprofits

The team emphasized that any nonprofit, big or small, can adopt this approach and practice. Here’s how:

Use Cards to Strengthen Key Moments
Thank donors after their first gift, mark anniversaries of giving, or acknowledge special milestones. A well-timed card shows supporters that their relationship matters, not just their donation.
Connect Gratitude to Mission Impact
Go beyond “thank you” by showing exactly what their support made possible: “Your $50 provided 100 meals.” Concrete impact builds trust and keeps donors engaged.
Celebrate Beyond Your Walls
Send congratulatory cards to partner organizations, volunteers, and community allies. Building goodwill across the nonprofit sector strengthens the entire ecosystem.
Personalize Every Touchpoint
From Personal Fonts by Hallmark to branded donation thank you cards and volunteer appreciation cards, personal details like unique stamps, signatures, or even a short story, show authenticity. It reminds supporters: you matter to us.
Make Gratitude a Shared Practice
Encourage everyone in your organization, from interns to executives, to take part in stewardship. HBC solutions make it easy to scale this culture of appreciation while keeping each message heartfelt and genuine.

A Model Worth Replicating

Harvesters’ success isn’t just in meals served, it’s in relationships nurtured. With Hallmark cards as a tool and a deeply held belief in the power of personal connection, they’ve built something rare: a nonprofit that truly celebrates its supporters, partners, and community.

In a time when connection can feel distant, Harvesters shows that a handwritten note isn’t just nostalgic, it’s revolutionary.

Want to build stronger donor relationships like Harvesters? Start with a Hallmark card and a commitment to see the people behind the support. It might just change everything.

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