Thursday, June 25, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

KindnessUpworthy

10-year-old girl walks into police station and brings officers to tears with 2 simple words

Flourishing score 6.8/10Read the original ↗

In a world often overshadowed by disheartening news, 10-year-old Savannah Solis from Tyler, Texas, shines as a beacon of hope and gratitude. Inspired by a childhood encounter with a compassionate police officer and the tragic loss of officers in New York, Savannah embarked on a heartwarming mission. She began writing and distributing hundreds of handwritten 'Thank You' cards to police officers across the nation, expressing her appreciation for their bravery and service. Her simple yet profound gesture of gratitude, captured in the heartfelt words 'Thank you,' has moved many officers to tears, reminding them of the impact of their dedication.

Savannah's actions exemplify the power of kindness and recognition in strengthening community ties. Over the years, her initiative has not only provided emotional support to countless officers but has also inspired others to acknowledge and appreciate the often-overlooked sacrifices made by law enforcement. Her story is a testament to how individual acts of kindness can ripple through communities, fostering a culture of appreciation and empathy, even amidst challenging times.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge of maintaining morale and appreciation for police officers amidst negative news and societal tensions.
The actions
Savannah Solis writes and distributes personalized 'Thank You' cards to police officers nationwide, expressing gratitude and support for their service.
Evidence of progress
Officers have been moved to tears by her gesture, and she continues to receive positive feedback from law enforcement agencies across the country.
What we can learn
Personal gestures of appreciation can have a profound impact on morale and can be replicated by others to support various community service roles.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story

Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.

Positive Emotion
9
Engagement
8
Relationships
10
Meaning
9
Accomplishment
8
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Gratitude

    Her letters had two words recurring each time, 'Thank you.'

  • Hope

    She dreamed of one day being a police officer herself and being able to help.

  • Kindness

    She began writing and distributing hundreds of handwritten 'Thank You' cards to police officers across the nation.

Try this today

Inspired by Savannah's story, take a moment this week to write a short note of appreciation to someone in your community whose work often goes unnoticed. Whether it's a local librarian, a sanitation worker, or a healthcare provider, your words of gratitude can make a meaningful difference.