I often write children’s stories and books with very silly characters and situations. That because I love to see children smile and laugh.
Sadly, there are many children who don’t have much to smile or laugh about.
Many are fighting for their lives, are seriously ill with chronic diseases, or struggle with other very painful or debilitating conditions (such as burn survivors, or survivors of sexual assault or other severe abuse.)
I would like to make a positive difference in many of their lives, and to give such children a reason to smile, and perhaps even to laugh. One way I’m doing this is by giving many of my books to such children as gifts, with a note that acknowledges what they are going through and tells them that they are one of my heroes and that I’m thinking of, and rooting for, them.
Perhaps in some cases I may even be able to include a brief poem about the child that might include a character from one of my books, or send colorful and humorous illustrations from the books that they can hang on their walls, or greeting cards with the characters on them and signed by me or one of the characters, or maybe even in a few cases dedicating a future book to them, etc.
I’d love to help ease the suffering and/or bring joy to such children, even if only for a moment.
Do you know of children in such situations for whom such a gift might help them? If you do, please contact me via my email address at russtowne@yahoo.com or send this post and my email address to their parents or guardians with the invitation that they contact me.
I’d prefer the referrals be to individual families (rather than just something like a children’s hospital) as I’d like to make these gift personalized to the needs and situation of each child.
You are, of course, welcome to mention your own young family members who are going through such challenges.
Also, I’d be happy to have you forward or re-blog my post and email address hopefully to spread the word around the world.
Thank you!
With Love,
Russ
P.S. Please make no mistake about my intentions and motivation. This is a gift I’m giving to myself. I can think of very few things in the world that would bring more joy to me than to do this.
