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Help for Hutchinson

April 5, 2017 by Anika Denise 49 Comments

Last month, I met a teacher in Hutchinson, Kansas – Shannon Vieyra – via Skype in the Classroom. Ms. Vierya’s students and I spent forty or so minutes chatting about reading, creative writing, journaling, inspiration, brainstorming, first drafts and revision.

Skype sessions are always enjoyable for me, but a few really stand out. I come away feeling especially gratified, because the teachers and students are so enthusiastic and engaged. This was one of those visits. The children even sent me photos of their good deed project — baking and delivering thank you treats for school staff — an idea inspired by reading Baking Day at Grandma’s, and watching the book trailer.  

Just days later, I learned the town had been hit by wildfires. Homes were lost. Families displaced. Many of whom are a part of the school’s community. You can read more about the Hutchinson wildfires here.

Ms. Vieyra and her students showed such empathy to their neighbors through the crisis, it inspired me to help as well. And while I understand no one can bring back everything these families lost, I believe that the kidlit community can help in a small way, by beginning to rebuild their home libraries. (And hopefully, lift their spirits.)

District administrators were kind enough to allow me to share basic information about children affected, and have given me permission to take up a book collection.

Authors, illustrators and publishing pals: if you would like to donate a book, please leave a comment below this post. Be sure to indicate: “I will donate (no. of books) to student 1.” All donations should be sent directly to the school, labeled with the corresponding student’s number, by APRIL 15th. We’re in need of picture books, middle grade, and YA titles, as the children’s reading levels span from pre-k to high school.

Student 1: kindergarten girl
Student 2: second grade girl
Student 3: kindergarten girl
Student 4: middle school girl
Student 5: high school male
Student 6: high school male
Student 7: high school male
Student 8: two year old

Shipping address:
Attention: Shannon Vieyra

Plum Creek Elementary School
901 East 43rd Avenue
Hutchinson, KS 67502

My sincerest thanks to all who consider donating. I’m certain it will not only restore books to their shelves, but hope to their hearts.

*Questions? Send me an email: [email protected]

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Filed Under: News Tagged With: Help for Hutchinson, KS, Plum Creek

Comments

  1. Aileen Stewart says

    April 5, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    I will donate 2 books to Sudent 1, 3 books to student 2, and 2 books to student 3

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 5, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      Thank you for your generosity, Aileen! That’s wonderful!

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:59 am

      What a generous and giving heart you have. Thank you so much for thinking of these students. It means so much to them that people all over this world are invested in them. I try to tell them that they have so many people in their corner, rooting them on, and wishing the absolute best for them. This is proof of the wonderful connections that can be built.

      <3

      Reply
      • Shannon Vieyra says

        April 22, 2017 at 2:06 am

        We received your BEYOND generous donation! Many many thanks to you! We will be sending you something soon! 🙂

        Reply
  2. Alison James says

    April 5, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    Sending to the three HS boys #s 5, 6 and 7 —
    Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
    The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus Book 1)
    The Book Thief

    Sending to student #2 and / or 4 (because of obvious reasons!)
    On the Banks of Plum Creek

    with love and wonderful wishes

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 5, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      What wonderful book selections, Alison! Thank you so much for your generosity. xoxo

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:57 am

      Aww this is wonderful! A book with Plum Creek in the title (eek!) dragging that into my Amazon cart myself.

      Thank you for all that you are doing. We are so grateful.

      <3

      Reply
      • Shannon Vieyra says

        April 22, 2017 at 2:08 am

        Allison James, we have received your books! Thank you so much for your donation! Since we received your package, two students have checked out the library copies of both The Book Thief and On the Banks of Plum Creek. You’re doing so much for ALL the students! I would love to have your address so we can share our thanks with you. Please email me!

        Reply
  3. Susan Bernardo says

    April 5, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    Wonderful idea!!! Thank you for coordinating this.

    I will send my picture book Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs to student #8

    I will send my new picture book The Big Adventures of Tiny House to Student 3

    And I will send The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm (co-authored with LeVar Burton, and specifically intended to help families cope with trauma & turbulent emotions) in c/o the teacher, to use in her classroom or give to school counselor/library to use as needed.

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 5, 2017 at 7:09 pm

      Susan, this is so generous, thank you! The students will be thrilled to receive them. What wonderful books! <3

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:55 am

      Tugging on my heart strings. It’s so magical that these kids will have books in their shelves that will be directly from the person who wrote it. Being an avid reader, this is truly powerful. These books will have such a rich story of where they came from and why…thank you.

      Additionally, our library has one copy of The Rhino Who Swallowed the Storm. It has been off the shelves ever since the wildfires. I look forward to being able to share it with these students.

      <3

      Reply
      • Shannon Vieyra says

        April 22, 2017 at 2:10 am

        We have received all the books! I must tell you how much self-control it takes to not be the first person to crease the binding of your books and peak inside but I am holding strong! I will be adding your books to MY personal library once I get them ordered.

        Also, the counselor of our school was so honored to receive The Rhino Who Swallowed the Storm. She will be able to reach so many people with that. Thank you with all my heart.

        We will be sending you something soon!

        Reply
  4. Cheryl says

    April 5, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    I will send a copy of my new picture book A Book of Bridges: Here to There and Me to You to students 1, 2, and 3

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 5, 2017 at 10:53 pm

      Thank you so much, Cheryl! We are so grateful!

      Reply
      • Maria Bostian says

        April 6, 2017 at 7:04 pm

        Love this book and I know they will too!

        Reply
        • Cheryl says

          April 6, 2017 at 7:59 pm

          Aw. Thank you!!

          Reply
      • Cheryl says

        April 6, 2017 at 8:00 pm

        Popping in the mail tomorrow. Added a couple of buttons.
        Thank you for organizing.

        Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:51 am

      This is absolutely phenomenal! Thank you so much! I am a new fan of yours (for so many reasons)!
      <3

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:12 am

      Cheryl we received the books! I am so floored by the beauty of these books and BEYOND thrilled to be able to share them with three students! Thank you for your generosity! We will be sending you something soon!

      (Also, I am ordering this book for myself. You’ve got several big fans over here in Hutchinson, KS)

      Reply
  5. Shannon Vieyra says

    April 6, 2017 at 12:49 am

    I am so beyond grateful for you, Anika. You have been such a value to each and every student and we hang onto your every word. We are so grateful that someone (many someones) have shown such generosity and genuine interest in these sweet students.

    This is so much bigger than us.

    My deepest thanks.

    Reply
  6. Amy DeLuca says

    April 6, 2017 at 2:40 am

    I can send 3 books to Student 4, the middle school girl. I have lots of lovely YA author friends who’ve showered me with books. 🙂

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 6, 2017 at 3:10 am

      Thank you, Amy! That’s GREAT! <3

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:13 am

      Amy! We have received your books and they are sitting adorningly on our shelves! I must share that it is very hard for the students in my class to not crack open the books but you better believe that they have placed orders and put your books on hold in our library!

      We will be sending you something soon!

      Reply
  7. Elsa Takaoka says

    April 6, 2017 at 3:42 am

    A kind deed for deserving kids, thank you for organizing this. I sent three of my books out and they will arrive late April (sorry we run on snail mail pace here). Happy reading!

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 6, 2017 at 3:46 am

      No problem, Elsa! We are just grateful to have them. Thank you, thank you! <3

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:14 am

      Thank you so much for thinking of us! We will be so happy to receive them! Shelves full of books has to be the most beautiful sight AND smell.

      Reply
  8. Shannon says

    April 6, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    Anika, I would love to create a visual image for these students to see where the books are coming from. Is it possible to include the locations of the donors? These kids are so fascinated that people OUTSIDE of Kansas are rooting for them!

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:45 pm

      What a great idea! I know where some of the authors are and will see if I can find out the rest. xo

      Reply
  9. Lindsay M Tupta says

    April 6, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    Happy to help! I’m so sorry to hear about this. I will donate two books to Student 1, two books to Student 3, and two books to student 8. xo

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 6, 2017 at 2:54 pm

      Wowsers! That’s so generous, Lindsay! Thank you!! xoxo

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:15 am

      Thank you so much for your donation! You are beyond generous and we are so thankful that you’ve thought of us! These students will be so grateful.

      Reply
  10. Maria Bostian says

    April 6, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    Sending two picture books to students #1, #2, and the two year old. Thank you for doing this book drive. I am sure it means a lot to these students and their families.

    Reply
    • Maria Bostian says

      April 6, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      That SHOULD be student #1 and #3 (the two in Kindergarten) plus the 2-year-old.

      Reply
      • Anika Denise says

        April 6, 2017 at 7:21 pm

        Got it! 🙂 Hooray! Thank you so much, Maria! 🙂

        Reply
        • Shannon Vieyra says

          April 22, 2017 at 2:16 am

          Maria! We received your books, as you know, and we SO very much adore them! Wowzers! Thank you for thinking of us and extending so much love to the students! We will be sending you something in the mail very soon!

          Reply
  11. Tammi Sauer says

    April 10, 2017 at 4:47 pm

    I will send 1 to student 1 and 1 to student 3. They will be in same envelope.

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 10, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      Tammi, that’s so wonderful! Thank you! They will be thrilled to have them! xoxo

      Reply
      • Tammi Sauer says

        April 11, 2017 at 2:18 am

        You’re welcome! I’m originally a Kansas girl. I was home over spring break and saw a lot of the aftermath. It was heartbreaking to see so much loss.

        Reply
        • Anika Denise says

          April 11, 2017 at 2:23 am

          Heartbreaking. I’m so glad we can do this small (but big in our hearts) thing to help. <3

          Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:18 am

      We received your books and I am so thankful for you. How wonderful it is for someone who knows the community like you do to come on back and give! We are recovering and families are in such good spirits but I cannot stop thinking about the beautiful reactions that they will soon receive from this book drive!

      We will be sending you something soon!

      Reply
  12. P. Marin says

    April 11, 2017 at 12:07 am

    Hello Plum Creek.
    Two copies of Pig and Chick Stuck and The Wish That Got Away for students one and three are in the mail!
    Love from,
    Pig, Chick and P. Marin

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 11, 2017 at 12:20 am

      Thank you for your generous donation!

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:19 am

      How grateful I am for the sweetness of your donation! Thank you so much! We will be sending you a heart felt written message soon! Thank you so very much for thinking and empowering these students to just be themselves, their beautiful and powerful selves.

      Reply
  13. Loren Long says

    April 11, 2017 at 2:44 pm

    Sending 2 books to student 1 and 2 books to student 3. Thanks Anika,
    Loren

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 11, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      Loren, thank you so much for your generosity! I know they will treasure them. <3

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:21 am

      We have received your package and WOW! Thank you so much for everything that you included and the personal messages in every book. I get goosebumps every time I look at them. You’ve really helped the healing in Hutchinson. A personal message to you will be coming soon!

      Reply
  14. Tara Lazar says

    April 12, 2017 at 12:23 am

    I will donate two books to student two. 🙂

    Reply
    • Anika Denise says

      April 12, 2017 at 12:50 am

      Thank you for your generosity, Tara! So grateful. <3

      Reply
    • Shannon Vieyra says

      April 22, 2017 at 2:22 am

      Thank you so much for thinking of us! You are wrapping these students up in love!

      Reply

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