SAVE OUR SPRINGBOKS! (SOS!)

To:  Hallmark Cards, Inc.

We the undersigned appeal to Hallmark Cards, Inc. to continue producing and distributing the Springbok line of jigsaw puzzles, which are exclusive to Hallmark. We appeal to Hallmark Cards, Inc. to REVERSE their decision to stop production of the Springbok line of jigsaw puzzles.

Hallmark has produced this superior line of puzzles since they acquired Springbok Editions in the late 1960's. The Springbok line has set itself apart due to the wide variety of themes and subjects of their puzzle pictures; the "unusual" shapes of the puzzle pieces; the variety of puzzle sizes ranging from mini puzzles with fewer than 60 pieces, to giant puzzles of 2000 pieces; and last but not least - the extraordinary quality of the puzzles. The pieces are tight-fitting and thick-cut. One can easily pick up a complete 2000-pieces puzzle by the top edge and lift it vertically without any pieces falling out.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of collectors of Springbok puzzles (warmly referred to as " 'bokkers ")across the U.S. and beyond. They range from new collectors who recently discovered this puzzle line, to those who have over 500 puzzles in their collections dating back to the late 1960's to early 1970's. People may wonder why someone would pay upwards of $20 or more for a jigsaw puzzle. But once they've experienced a Springbok puzzle, that question no longer exists. The answer is obvious - Springbok is the best.

In late 2001 it was discovered by this petition's author that Hallmark planned to discontinue production of the Springbok line of puzzles after the New Year. Hallmark stores around the country are being depleted of puzzles, with no new puzzles to replace them. Strangely, this decision was NOT made public - many stores were not aware of this decision until it was too late. Even some Customer Service representatives AT Hallmark were not aware of this decision. When asked about it last fall, they replied "No, there's no plans to discontinue the puzzles." And many of the collectors and fans of the puzzles were not aware of it, either. But it has now been confirmed, both by Hallmark Cards, Inc. and by various Hallmark store managers as they become aware of it. They have been discontinued.

We 'bokkers would simply like it if Hallmark Cards, Inc. would listen to and respect the voice of their paying customers - those of us who spend our hard-earned money on their products, INCLUDING Springbok puzzles. Numerous emails and phone calls to the company don't seem to have had any affect; therefore, this petition was created. Hopefully, a petition in one place containing the signatures of many, many supporters of Springboks will make a difference and change Hallmark's mind.

Please - if you would like to Save Our Springboks - sign this online petition and send it on. Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The SAVE OUR SPRINGBOKS! (SOS!) Petition to Hallmark Cards, Inc. was created by Avid fans and collectors of Springbok jigsaw puzzles and written by M. A. Baker (marlabaker2002@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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