The Dixon Library staff worked with Nomads and Company events to gather letters for military-connected children, youth and teens. With April, the Month of the Military Child, ending, Nomads and Company will distribute the letters with a lollipop included.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - April was designated as the Month of the Military Child in 1986 by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberg.

According to the United States Department of Defense (DOD), more than 1.6 million military-connected children, youth and teens face unique challenges due to their parents’ service.

Christina and James LaPorte of Nomads and Company Events, in partnership with Dixon Library, intend to address this demographic.

“Because April is the Month of the Military Child, we wanted to conclude the month with hand-written letters for the kids. In their own way, they serve too,” said Christina LaPorte.

Nomads and Company are hosting Letters to Our Military Children, which aims to collect handwritten letters and drawings for the children of reserve families. The LaPortes have already gathered around 4,000 letters from three countries and 14 states.

Interested parties have the opportunity through April 29 to stop by Dixon Library, 230 N. First St. and write a letter for distribution. Dixon Library staff members will write letters as well.

At the end of April, letters will be dropped off at Travis Air Force Base and gifted to children from preschool to seventh-grade with parents in the service. Christina LaPorte calls them “lollipop drops,” as each will come with a treat.

The LaPortes, a military family, understand the difficulties that military children face and wish to support them in any way they can. Dedicated to the support of this demographic, Nomads and Company contacted the Dixon Public Library, 230 N. First St., to accrue more letters.

According to children’s librarian Dionna Campbell, this program is significant because it encourages adolescents during potentially tough times.

“These kids are dealing with emotions that not everyone has to endure. Loss of a parent, either to deployment or worse, can be hard for anyone. Also, regularly moving harms mental health. Having to make new friends and getting used to a new school environment, it's all tough stuff,” said Campbell.

Library staff intend to write letters to support military children and ask that Dixonites do the same.

For more information, visit solanolibrary.com or call 1-866-572-7587.