Gorenflo school library in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina
Merrie Campbell, a senior at Downingtown West High School, Pennsylvania,
contacted Mairi in July 2006 to ask for her help. Merrie was working on a Senior
Project for Community Service and, despite her enthusiasm and unswerving
commitment, knew she couldn't achieve all she wanted to on her own so she set
out to enlist the help of authors worldwide.In Merrie's own words...
"Gulfport Mississippi was one of the areas most affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I have adopted two elementary schools in Biloxi, Mississippi, who lost their library books and classrooms to the hurricanes. Gorenflo and Nichols Elementary received major damage and the students are presently displaced into trailers and other schools.
"It is important that we help these children, who lost their homes, their friends and their families, get back to their schools. Children flourish in a nurturing environment and being able to go to a classroom that is fully functional with a working library will be a big step to opening up the world to these children.
"I know that the pupils of Nichols and Gorenflo Elementary would enjoy your book and it would be a great addition to their lives."
Shortly after Merrie contacted Mairi there was a report on the BBC about the children caught up in the wake of the hurricane; Mairi realised she ought to lend a hand.
Hello Mairi,
I've attached photos of the children and teachers at Gorenflo with 'Beyond the Hedge'. They were so excited that authors from other countries would care to send books to their school. I had a great visit with the kids.
Thank you again for helping me brighten the lives of these children.
Merrie
If you'd like to help Gorenflo and Nichols Elementary Schools, please e-mail Mairi@mairicraw.com.