In my last blog I touched on the events in Sandy Hook, Connecticut that claimed the lives of 20 innocent children. That post inspired a few amazing women to launch a project called "Books for Sandy Hook" and organize a drive to send copies of a special children's book entitled "A Terrible Thing Happened", which is designed to help children cope with traumatic experiences that they have witnessed, to the Sandy Hook area to help the families affected by this tragedy. The book can be purchased through the American Psychological Association here : http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/4416428.aspx or ordered by phone at 1 (800) 374-2721and shipped directly to this address:
94 Riveside Rd
Sandy Hook.Ct. 06482
Care of Sandy Hook Book Drive
The drive so far has been very successful, with more books pouring in every day, thanks to the incredible efforts of Kathleen Henry Hayes, Tom and Missy Horan, April Edinger Hamilton and Rick Heitman. What an excellent example to set for their children, nephews, and grand children as to how easy it can be to do a good thing, even when the worst is facing you.
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| Peter (Top) and Tommy. Peter goes to the elementary school where the shootings took place. |
The Troop sent 5 copies of this book to help the drive on behalf of his father, who has been deeply affected by the events during his recovery. But the Troop made a pledge and by god he's going to keep it. That pledge was to do something good to honor each of the children lost in Sandy Hook, by donating 20 items to the Toys For Tots foundation. My gift to Peter, to help him in his healing from a tragic event. May I present to you the first imperial stuffed animal division, made up of two special units: Cuddly Owls and Slinky Bunnies.
These critters are sold at Kohl's as part of their "Kolh's Cares" initiative, with 100% of the net profit donated to support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. Since 2000, more than $208 million has been raised nationwide. The animals can be paired with books that are all $5, and make great holiday gifts with a great message to kids. They are super soft and very high quality as well. To learn more about them you can visit: http://www.kohlscorporation.com/communityrelations/community02.htm
Today was the last day to drop items for the Toys for Tots drives so I rolled the van down to the warehouse and was surprised to get a full tour by a wonderful young Marine. He informed me that their yield of donated toys this year had been spectacular (previous years had not been so fruitful) but that they had been shorthanded on workers to help sort their inventory. To sign up as a volunteer for Toys for Tots you can go to http://orlando-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/Default.aspx.
Nothing can replace the lives of the children we lost this week, but I urge each and every one of you: turn off your TV. Get off the internet. Go out and do something good. Stop dwelling on the negativity, the blame placing, and the media blitz. If you want to help these people do it by putting something positive out into the world. That's what this season has always been about.
-TFTC
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