By Crystal McGough, copy editor
THOMPSONS STATION, Tenn. — As the rest of the United States celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks and entertainment, many of America’s “Gold Star” children, who have lost a parent in military service, will be spending the week at A Soldier’s Child Foundation’s “Journey Camp,” where they will be building relationships and seeking healing with other children on their same journey.
Clay resident Mandy Clark made sure that those children know they are not forgotten by those of us outside their particular circumstances. About a month ago, Clark started a fundraiser through her business with Usborne Books and More to raise money to donate “Wonders of the USA: Shine-a-Light” books to each of the children who would attend Journey Camp. In addition to the books, each child received a flashlight because the books have hidden images that appear when exposed to light.
“A Soldier’s Child Foundation Book Drive for the Annual Journey Summer Camp was a complete success thanks to the generous donors in our community,” Clark said. “We hand-delivered (Wonders of the USA) books and flashlights for all 125 camp children who have lost a parent in the services.”
Once word got out about the fundraiser, Clark raised nearly $1,200 in only two weeks, from June 2 – June 16. After the initial funds were raised, Usborne Books and More then contributed a 50% matching grant to meet the fundraiser’s goal and provide each and every “Gold Star” child with their very own book.
“The kids were excited to be at camp, many of them reunited with friends from the year before,” Clark said. “The books were a big hit, garnering lots of oohs and aahs from the kids. We were glad to help share in ASC’s mission in making sure the children know their loved ones are not forgotten, their service appreciated, and their children loved and supported.”
Clark attended sign-up day at the camp, located at Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, on Sunday, June 30, so that she could hand-deliver the books to each child. Her parents, Eddie and Dale Sheehan, also attended with her.
“We got to meet the founder and executive director, who was so friendly and down to earth and obviously had earned the friendship of many of the campers,” Clark said. “He is a great mentor to the kids. We met Bella, a camper who immediately upon seeing us with the books, swooped in to help in any and every way she could. It was a great and memorable experience!”
The children at Journey Camp will remain at camp through July 6. Clark said that she likes to imagine them sitting in their cabins each night looking through their books with their flashlights.
For more information about A Soldier’s Child Foundation and Journey Camp, visit their Facebook page or website at asoldierschild.org.