Book Drive
We had people donate books (new & gently used) to benefit the kids at Primary Children’s Medical Center.
We ran the Drive until Wed. April 11 th, 2007. 1,441 Books were delivered to Primary’s on April 19 th
In memory of Elaine Ruth
4/20/01 to 4/19/04
Donations could be made
At Dumbbells Gym
43 S Main
Payson , Utah 84651
Or by contacting Melissa
Don’t forget Congenital Heart Defect Awareness
Day, February 14 th. For more information go to:
Thank you so much to everyone in our community, our friends and family who helped make the book drive a success. We were able to take 1,441 books to the hospital. We placed a label inside each book with Elaine’s picture and a little information about her. To get t he books to Primary’s we had to load up 2 vehicles to the brim. It was a rainy and cold day. We asked that the newer books be given to children to keep and take home, and the used books be used in waiting rooms for the different clinics at the hospital, especially cardiology, Newborn ICU & the Pediatric ICU. These were the places Elaine spent most of her time.
After we dropped off the books, our family went to the Hogle Zoo like we do every 19 th of April. Elaine enjoyed the zoo and it is something we can do together, and enjoy, and reflect on her life. On her birthday we go to the cemetery and take balloons, flowers, letters, gifts….different things depending on what the kids want to do. Elaine would have turned 6 this year and be in kindergarten.
We are thankful for Handen who never forgets his little friend, even though he was so young when she died. It warms our hearts to know others remember and care. Thank you for the birthday pinwheel and balloon Torsaks!
The day after the book drive I received this email from the grief counselor at Primary Children’s.
I share an office with the hospital teacher and she just came in with a big cart filled with boxes of books! I asked about this abundance of books and she shared that they were donated in honor of a little girl who died -- of course I knew who that had to be, given that it is Elaine's birthday today and her Angel Day yesterday. Sure enough, each bears a little sticker with Elaine's picture.
Those books are on their way out to other children, and they are so appreciated. What a wonderful way to remember Elaine and spread her sweet smile.
Mary-Ann
PCMC Bereavement Coordinator
We are happy to know that the books are being used and enjoyed. Thank you again to everyone who helped.
Some of the special people who helped with the book drive
Deann Torsak
Ms. Marie Orchard (Violet’s pre school teacher)
Charlene Yamaoka
Dale & Janice Andrew
Dumbbells Gym in Payson
All the people who donated at dumbbells
Jan Louder, from grief group
Valerie Bond
Frances Mikesell
Cathleen Moffat
Sarah & Nathan Heinrich
Sylvia & Leon Benson
May & Denny Yamaoka
Carolyn Quigley
Kathy Westwood
Susan Smith
Jennie Smith
Amy Lambeth
Melissa Drake
Laura Nevin & Family
Cadie Andrew
Lisa & Erik Fallis
Paul & Joanne Crook
Tiffany Day
Nancy Andrew
Aubrey Rudd
Nelva Merrill
Janet
Lisa & Tim Freisen
Mark & Daneen Coulson
Mike, from Hearts of Hope
Jess Bishop
Mandy Marvel
Roy & Leslie Andrew
Sean Searby
Donna Olsen
Sandra Johnson
Becky Stoddard
Linda Freebairn
Hedger Family