Pentel salutes troops with letter-writing contest

TORRANCE, Calif. — A writing instruments leader, in partnership with a nonprofit group, is commemorating National Handwriting Day with a unique promotion.

Pentel's "Heroes Worth Writing For" contest aims to educate the importance of a handwritten letter by encouraging Americans to express their appreciation to U.S. troops. Pentel partnered with Operation Gratitude, which annually sends more than 100,000 care packages addressed to individually named U.S. Service members.

As part of the promotion, Pentel will award the writer of the most expressive letter with a $200 Visa gift card and $100 in Pentel products. Four runner-ups will receive a $50 Visa gift card and $25 in Pentel products. Official rules can be found at Pentel.com.

"This is a great way for us to remind Americans about the significance, emotion and engagement that can be enclosed within a handwritten letter," said Ilene Albert-Nelson, Pentel of America director of marketing. "Our U.S. troops are definitely noteworthy individuals who deserve to receive our best wishes and thoughts, as well as our thanks for their time, dedication and commitment."

National Handwriting Day is Jan. 23.