Last Christmas was unlike any in our lifetimes, with most celebrations shut down, postponed, or observed in isolation because of the COVID pandemic. This year we are on the cusp of a holiday season that looks more like the “before” times: Shoppers are back in stores, kitchens gearing up for cooking and baking, plans are being made for gatherings of loved ones. Yet, for so many the holidays this year will be painful without the loved ones COVID has taken. Susan Hillis, lead author of a study published in the journal Pediatrics, estimates that roughly 175,000 American children have lost a mother, father or grandparent-caregiver to COVID.
For every purchase made this month, we are donating copies of The Angels on My Tree to public libraries, schools and funeral homes across America in areas hardest hit by COVID. Books are on their way to Sheboygan, Watts, Columbus, Queens, Gallup, Metairie, Jewell, Amarillo, Wichita ...
We hope that this story will bring some hope and healing to children, families and communities devastated by loss.
May we all spread kindness, and may some of the joy we share stay with us. We hope that each of you will be blessed with kindness and joy this holiday season and in the year ahead. — Lu Ann and Eve