Supporting the Grieving

The tragedy in Tucson has impacted so many.  Here are a few suggestions for aiding those who are grieving as they seek to honor those who have died:


Consider a gift of books to schools or libraries close to those affected, or a gift to your local school or library, in honor of a victim of this tragedy. For older children and adults: To Every Thing There Is A Season by Leo & Diane Dillon. The verses from Ecclesiastes: "A time to be born, and a time to die...." illustrated by artwork from different world cultures. For children Pre-K through elementary school age:  To Everything There Is a Season by Jude Daly. The same scripture depicted through seasonal changes on an African farm, with subtle emphasis on the importance of family and unity.  Or to help model a channeling of grief into the planning of a memorial, Eve Bunting's Rudi's Pond. 


Other concrete ways to help: Consider a gift of blood through the American Red Cross.  (Would the blood banks in your region be prepared for an emergency such as this?) Or consider a gift through a Tucson community fund to benefit the families of the victims, whose lives have been turned upside-down.  Thank you.


P.S.: A gift of music helps with healing.  Some downloads to consider: Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season) by the Byrds, Circle Of Life by Elton John, and Tears In Heaven (Album Version) by Eric Clapton.