SCBWI
Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
Comfort Kit Article
Comfort Kit Pictures
Book Donations
We cannot thank everyone enough for their donations to our Katrina
Relief Fund! Because of the donations from caring SCBWI members,
their publishers, organizations, schools, friends, and families, we have
delivered thousands of Comfort Kits filled with high-quality books and
toys into the hands of children who have been displaced by the disaster.
Comfort Kits were hand-delivered by SCBWI members to Relief Shelters
near:
Mobile, AL
Little Rock, AR
Indianapolis, IN
Meridian, MS
Books and toys were sent to:
Central Elementary School in Pascagoula, MS
Oak Park Elementary in Meridian, MS
Your generosity and care are much appreciated by the SCBWI and the children
and families receiving Comfort Kits.
With much love,
Lin Oliver, Steve Mooser, Kim Turrisi
& the SCBWI Executive Office Staff
In
the wake of Hurricane Katrina in early September, the SCBWI—as a
community of children’s book authors, artists, and publishers—created
the "Comfort Kit" program to contribute to the recovery and healing process
of displaced children.The Comfort Kit consisted of several new, high quality children’s books, one flashlight, a toy or stuffed animal, and a toothbrush/toothpaste set. Kits for children ages 3 to 8 included picture books and a new stuffed animal. Kits for children ages 8 to 12 included chapter books/novels and an age-appropriate non-electronic toy.
The SCBWI coordinated the purchase of tote bags, toothbrush sets, and flashlights. SCBWI members donated boxes and boxes of new books and new toys or stuffed animals, filling the SCBWI Executive Office many times over. "Our members wanted to take action to help the children who are suffering from the trauma of the hurricane," said Lin Oliver, SCBWI Executive Director. "We believe that a good book read with a caring adult can provide a child some comfort and security in a time of need."
The SCBWI Executive Staff along with the help of volunteers assembled the kits as the materials arrived and shipped boxes of finished kits to SCBWI members in areas near hurricane relief shelters. Members then hand-delivered the kits to the shelters so the kits were distributed directly to children and families in need. More than 2,000 Comfort Kits have been shipped out to shelters in affected areas as well as shelters where displaced evacuees were sent. One member who handed out kits told us, "It felt like Christmas morning. The children were so happy."
In
addition to the other items tucked inside, tied to the handle of each
tote bag was a special message to let the children know who made the kit
and why.| We know you're
going through a hard time right now. This Comfort Kit was put together
especially for you by the people who create books for children. So
tonight you can brush your teeth, turn on your flashlight, grab a
toy, and curl up with a good book. With much love to you from the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. |
The SCBWI Executive Office wishes to thank all who donated money or goods for their generosity and support! Every day after sending out the initial call, we were moved by the boxes and boxes of books, toys, and stuffed animals that arrived, not to mention the envelopes and cards. We have made such a difference in the lives of children affected by Katrina and look forward to restocking libraries and schools in the second phase of Katrina Relief.
Alabama Department of Education
Louisiana Department of Education
Mississippi Department of Education
©2005 Society
of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators
all rights reserved