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| OneBook for Trenton |
Stacy Sweigart, a girl I knew from high school, died tragically in a car accident last Tuesday night. Her husband, Jason, also died in the accident. Their six-year old son, Trenton, was with his grandparents when it happened.
In high school, Stacy and I rode the same bus. Over the years, I had lost touch with her, but we have many mutual friends. Now, as a friend, a parent, and a teacher and writer, I can't help but think about Stacy's and Jason's families and what they must be going through, especially little Trenton. When you imagine a six year-old boy trying to understand a situation like this, it makes your heart hurt even more.
But there is a way we can all help.
Books provide a peaceful place. They make kids smile and laugh. They take kids to imaginary worlds, where a jungle grows in a bedroom and a tree gives itself away in the name of love. Books can help heal the deepest wounds. Books can provide bright light in dark places.
I'm asking you (writers, readers, parents, teachers) to join the OneBook for Trenton cause. You can help by sending one of your favorite books directly to Trenton. Books should be new or gently-used and can range from your favorite picture book to your most beloved chapter book. This is also a chance for parents to get their kids or entire family involved. Feel free to write a note inside or just send the book to the address below:
OneBook for Trenton
4307 Judy Ave.
New Castle, IN 47362
This will only cost you postage, but helping to heal a kid's broken heart is priceless.
Tracy--This is tragic. Thanks for passing this along to us.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way to get involved for someone like me who knew Stacy, but wasn't a great friend...Mind if I pass this on to my mom?
ReplyDeleteHello Tracy. I found this from Neil Gaiman's retweet - this is a wonderful idea, and I will be sending along a book shortly. I wish Trenton all the best with healing from this tragedy.
ReplyDeleteHeather: Thanks for contributing a book. You rock!
ReplyDeleteLauren: Absolutely!
Alison: Also, awesome of you to help Trenton. Thanks!
Tracy, what a wonderful, sweet thing to do. I too knew Stacy, not really well. I know her brother better, and have known their mother since I was in elementary school. I am certain that all would think this is a great idea. I know that I have always loved escaping into a book. I'll be sending one along as soon as I can decide what to send.
ReplyDeleteTracy, I went to school with you and Stacy. This is such a wonderful thing for you to do. You are a great person and Stacy is smiling down on you for that!! Thank you so much, my daughters and I are so excited to pick out books and send them to Trenton!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here in tears, SO blessed by this gesture, KNOWING that Stacy would be over the moon about the possibility of Trenton receiving books in the mail. Stacy gave my daughter a most precious book when she graduated high school 4 years ago...Dr. Suess's Oh The Places You'll Go! I just thought yesterday that I was going to ask my daughter to get it out of storage so I could read it and read the inscription Stacy wrote to her.
ReplyDeleteThank you for doing this...I'm passing the word. God Bless You!
Amazing! I pray for lots of books to be sent!!
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog. This is so touching. I facebooked and tweeted your post, and bought a book on Amazon to send to Trenton. You are such a kind and wonderful person for doing this. My heart goes out to Trenton.
ReplyDeleteTRACY: I'll talk to my kids about it and see what they'd like to send. Poor little guy. I have a six-yr-old boy and he is so attached to me. This story breaks me heart. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteOMG, how heartbreaking! I will definitely send something.
ReplyDeleteI so very much appreciate your efforts to put a smile on Trenton's face after this horrible loss he has had to face. I know that Carol and others will take good care of him, but this added treat will make the next few weeks a lot more bearable. Thanks for making the address available so we can send something his way. A book is such a wonderful thing!
ReplyDeleteMuch love to Trenton, all of his family...and definitely a book.
ReplyDeleteDone! I've sent one of our family favorites: Two Ways to Count to Ten, by Ruby Dee.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you or the family, but I was touched by this story. An old friend, Laura Liles, posted this to Facebook, and it broke my heart. I work at a publishing company and always have tons of childrens' books on hand. I sent a package full of books to Trenton this morning. I hope that he finds comfort in knowing that even complete strangers keep him in their thoughts and prayers. This is such a thoughtful idea; thanks for doing this!
ReplyDelete--Jovana Shirley
Thanks to everyone who has responded and is contributing books to Trenton. His grandparents look forward to sharing these books with him.
ReplyDeleteThere are truly no words. It's my biggest fear every time I go out with my kids. I have twin six year olds, a boy and a girl. My heart is beyond hurt and I will share my books with Trenton. Maybe we can always send him books on his birthday and during the holidays? If you think that's a good idea, let me know when his birthday is and also, he's six now, but he will grow, so maybe we can send books for all ages and he can grow into them as he grows in years. You are a mensch and I am sorry for the friends you have lost. All my best, Hilde Garcia from the Pen and Ink Blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hilde. Great ideas. I'll look into that. Please pass on the OneBook message if you can. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this (saw originally on SCBWI-LA listserv). I'll definitely send a book and have tweeted too.
ReplyDeleteKathy: Thanks for contributing and passing this on.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great cause, Tracy. I will definitely be looking into this. Happy to have found your site; you have truly created a great blog.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you!
Paul: Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHey Tracy. Just wanted to check out your blog and say it was fun meeting you at the conference. Not a real appropriate post for that, I know, but I do hope this program raked in lots of books for that little guy.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ray. Great meeting you at the conference. Yes, the OneBook for Trenton cause has been awesome. People from all over have responded. Join the cause if you'd like. Take care, good luck, and see you round the blogosphere.
ReplyDelete