Recently, while signing and sharing my books at Joint Base
Andrews Air Force Base, Prince George's County, Maryland, I met a Colonel,
United States Army, from Eaton Rapids, Michigan. She introduced herself, and immediately began
to speak with me about a place that is very dear to her heart. A place where both she and her husband volunteer. This special place is "VFW National Home
For Children," Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
As our conversation continued to evolve, we spoke about The Children's
Home, and my books finding their way there.
"VFW National Home For Children," was founded in
1925 as a place where the families left behind by war-mothers and children, brothers
and sisters-could remain together, keeping the family circle intact even when
their serviceman didn't come home.
Today's families face different challenges-reintegration,
post-traumatic stress, high unemployment and rehabilitation from battlefield
injuries, among others-and the National Home has evolved over the decades to
meet those changing needs.
Since its founding, the "VFW National Home For
Children," has grown from an old frame farm house to a sprawling campus
with playgrounds, park areas, and multiple buildings, including single-family
homes, a community center and gymnasium, child care facility, guest lodge,
chapel, and administrative offices. Over
the years, the "National Home" has evolved to meet the changing needs
of America's military and veteran's families.
Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the "National
Home's" commitment to honor our nation's veterans and active-duty military
by providing help and hope for their children and families.
After communicating with the wonderful staff members of
"VFW National Home For Children," Eaton Rapids, Michigan, my books
did indeed find their way into the hands of the children and their
families. The children in the Summer Enrichment
program read the books and were able to choose a few to keep. One of each of the books will be reserved in
"National Home's" library so that everyone will have access to
them. A few will be set aside to use as
gifts and prizes during reading events that are held throughout the school
year; there will be bingo and other games that the children can play to win
book prizes. March is "National
Reading Month," and the "National Home" takes reading very
seriously!
I am looking forward to continued communication with the
staff, children, and the families at "VFW National Home For Children,
Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and to sharing my forthcoming book that will be
introduced in September 2019!
Please take a moment to view the pictures of the children
(our Flickr page) who reside at the "National Home."
I am most grateful to be sharing my books with these beloved kids!
Most grateful,
Glenna (Reading Specialist & Director of The Kind Kids Organization)