I wanted to share with you an email that Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser -- our lovely SCBWI founders -- sent to regional advisors this week:
Hi everyone,
I know we are all heartsick about the killings that have taken place in Newtown. In the face of a tragedy such as this, we all want to help yet don’t know how we can contribute. SCBWI has been in touch with Francine Morlando, a former member who lives in a neighboring community. Francine has spoken with the Newtown Fire Department and asked how we can help. They told her that they are in desperate need of picture books for the kids who will be returning to school after the new year. The community is moving out of Sandy Hook Elementary and setting up a temporary elementary school location at the middle school, and since they are not moving the library, they will need picture books to stock their temporary library. I said we would help take care of that need.
We here at the main office will be sending 100 new picture books published this year. If your region would like to contribute, you can gather new, appropriate high-quality picture books over the holiday. They asked that we send the books after the first of the year. We don’t need to overwhelm them with quantity, but supplying a library of great books for these children who have seen such terror will certainly help in their recovery.
Stay tuned for directions. In the meantime, may we all have a peaceful holiday.
Lin and Steve
For now, if you would like to participate, please gather your chosen books (please note that Newtown has specified picture books). When I receive shipping directions from the main office in early January, I'll post information here.
I hope you're enjoying a peaceful, joyous, and inspiring holiday season.
Shannon Morgan, Regional Advisor
SCBWI Southwest Texas