Update on NICU Book Project

The books have been delivered to the NICU. This is my daughter, Angie and her co-worker, Susan. The parents of NICU babies have been delighted to get books for their babies and are surprised that they get five books. Some have said, "So we just pick one from the bag?"

No, we are offering a meal, not just a dinner roll. We could feed a big group of people if we gave each one a roll, but they wouldn't be satisfied. They would still be hungry and need vegetables, protein, and of course dessert.

I hope that by giving each baby five books, their literary palate will be awakened and they will seek out books, learning, and knowledge for the rest of their lives.

Angie has received emails from her coworkers saying that this is a much needed project. All of this does my heart good. I feel like the lives of our little ones matter and that they are blessing the lives of others.

And this happened: Angie's son's pre-school teacher donated these to our cause:

There are Spanish books in here, Laura Numeroff books, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Thanks, Janelle, you made me cry.

Many people at the hospital have asked how they can help. Here are three options.

1. You can give new books to Angie.

2. You can order books for your own children from an online Usborne book party and the proceeds will go to purchase books for the NICU. I received 225.00 in free books for the NICU a few months ago by doing this. Usborne is really good to their hostesses, and they have great board books for babies. Click on the link: Usborne book sale to benefit NICU The books you order will be shipped directly to your home. You can then give them to your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews.

3. We have set up a baby registry at Amazon.com with many books listed for the NICU babies. Some of these books only cost 2.50. Many of these are classics that all children should have. Click on this link if you'd like to help provide books for the NICU: Catherine Crosby Building Lifelong Readers Book Registry. If you order books for us, they will be shipped directly to me, and I will send them to the NICU.

4. You can also promote literacy in your own corner of the world. Read to a child even if that child is you.