(Elizabeth, NJ) – The Sharing Network Foundation recently made a generous contribution of more than 100 copies of the children’s book, A Gift of Life: A Story About Organ and Tissue Donation, to support the County of Union’s “Inclusive Book Program.”
As part of Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s 2024 “Growing Together in Union County” initiatives, the “Inclusive Book Program” provides Union County schools with a diverse selection of books that celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. By offering a range of inclusive literature, the program aims to promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance among students, as well as cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment within local school communities.
“We thank the Sharing Network Foundation and all of our fantastic partners for helping us distribute the first wave of the massive collection of inclusive books that the County has purchased for our public elementary school libraries,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Our Board of County Commissioners continues to seek and support programs, services, and initiatives that amplify every voice, ensuring that inclusivity and understanding thrive across Union County. We believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read.”A Gift of Life: A Story of Organ and Tissue Donation, is a touching children’s picture book written by author Rachelle Burk and funded by the Sharing Network Foundation. This special book follows a young boy after the loss of his father and his legacy as a hero through organ and tissue donation. Beautifully illustrated by Benjamin Hummel, a two-time liver transplant recipient, it’s a story of hope, love, and the incredible impact one can make by giving the gift of life. The book is available for purchase on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1C3TJJ6.
PHOTO CAPTION – (left-to-right) Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon; Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation; Joe Leo, Owner of Here’s the Story Bookstore in Union, NJ; Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded; and Daryl Palmieri, Union County Interim Executive County Superintendent helped assist with the distribution of inclusive books for public elementary school libraries in Union County. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of the County of Union)