Yes.
I really do try not to miss writing this thing and it is not because so many of you are clamoring for my posts -- if only, as I've said before, I'm not a Kardashian -- it is because I enjoy it.
I never thought I'd be a writer of anything. I am a reader. Even as a child, I loved reading. I vividly remember one year for my birthday asking for and receiving all of the Trixie Beldon books from Hall's Variety Store in Highland Park Village.
NOTE: Yes, new Dallacites, there used to be a dime store in the Village, along with a bunch of other normal stores. It is only recent history that enables you to purchase a $20,000+ handbag there.
Trixie Beldon was a poor man's Nancy Drew. Trixie and her friends and siblings loved to solve mysteries and there were 39 volumes of her adventures. Reading was such an escape for me and I still love it.
NOTE: You will not be surprised to know that I am the co-president (along with my friend Jill) of the Junior League of Dallas Sustainer book club called "Between the Covers". Aren't we naughty?
I really have no idea where I would be today if I didn't read. Reading helped me escape, helped me learn, helped me perform. It still does.
That is why I really love our Back-to-School Drive at Community Partners of Dallas. By learning to read, a child can escape, learn, and perform. He can see that there is another way of life. Another way to be an adult, a father, a daughter, or just a person in this world.
Seven-year-old Victoria was a happy and beautiful little girl -- up until her mother died and she went to live with her father and his new wife. Victoria's father was a gambler and he was gone from the home for weeks at a time leaving Victoria at the mercy of her step-mother. The step-mother never wanted Victoria and often beat her, starved her, and locked her in her room while the step-mother went out to party.
CPS investigated when a neighbor called the police about the child being left alone and Victoria was placed first into foster care, and then into the home of a maternal relative.
Victoria is excited about school this year for the first time. Her caseworker has already turned in the request for her backpack filled with supplies and her uniform sizes.
I hope she's a reader, don't you?
If you want to learn more our Back-to-School Drive at CPD, please visit www.CommunityPartnersDallas.org We'd love to have your help! Also, please shop at The Container Store, if you don't already do so (you can purchase and/or drop off school supplies there too). They are our long-time partner for this drive and are such an amazing store with amazing things to buy!