I was totally blown away by the generosity of this publisher and several authors, but first let me tell you what happened to get me so jazzed...
I work for the state of Arizona and have always had a heart for foster kids. There is a young adult program for foster kids living on their own from ages 16 - 21 and they are part of a program designed to support them as they grow into adulthood with no adoptive parents, no guardians, no family... you get the idea.
Anyway, they have a lock-in event every year where they have fun games, prizes and stuff like that to show the young adults that people care and want to see them succeed. Long story short, I put out an informal call for donations to be sent to the Young Adult Unit in Phoenix and the coordinator was excited that I did this not knowing if anyone would follow through. I sent sent four YA books of my own titles, then held my breath to see what would happen.
A week later this social worker/event coordinator returned from vacation and she found her desk buried in books. Those 80 kids now have 162 books that were donated for the event. That's like two books per young adult. I got all teary-eyed just thinking about the generosity, and honestly, I know it blessed the people in Phoenix as well.
I'd like to personally thank Thomas Nelson Publishing house (and Katie Bond in particular) for their generous donation as well as Melody Carlson. You guys totally blew the coordinator away by sending boxes of books that she was impressed with and excited about giving to the teens. And if anything speaks to the world of Christ's love, it's outpourings and generosity like this.
Also, this event is through a government agency, so you also got Christian books into the hands of young people who need the encouragement that would not get them any other way. Wahoo, eh? Also, a big thank you to Melanie Dickerson. You blessed me, girl. I am so excited for these youth. They have some good books to read this summer that will inspire them. Thank you all for listening to my happy rant! I just had to share my excitement.
3 comments:
My parents were foster parents when I was a kid so my heart goes out to foster kids. I wish I could do more.
Awesome! Kudos to TN and to sweet Melanie and to you Michelle, with your giving heart! God bless and keep you--and those young people.
What exciting news Michelle! The generosity shown here in your post was such a joy to read. Never under estimate what God can do through His people like you and Melanie! Blessings to you for being a catalyst in this program. Good reads and spreading Gods word!
Blessings!
Judy
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