Admittedly, this post is not about reading (though you will see there are some words involved). What it is about is empowerment and healing. Translating negative feelings into positive actions makes everyone feel better, children and adults alike (see Repairing the World through the Power of Reading).
Yesterday, I came across a few simple ways to provide some support to Boston—ways that will appeal to the children and teenagers in your life: music, t-shirts and baseball caps. The money raised from the sale of these items will go directly to One Fund Boston, established by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help those most affected by the tragic events of April 15.
For more than a decade, Neil Diamonds’s 1969 hit song, Sweet Caroline, has been a popular sing-along at all Boston Red Sox home games. On April 20, at the first home game following the marathon bombings, Neil Diamond made an unannounced visit to Fenway Park, performing Sweet Caroline for the fans, visibly lifting their spirits. Watch and listen…you gotta smile:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF__vAm_qRM&w=640&h=360]
This past week, The New York Yankees and other teams have also played the song at their home games in tribute to Boston; the song has become a source of comfort for all those hurting in and for Boston.
Neil Diamond announced that he is donating all profits from this week’s sales of Sweet Caroline to the victims of the Boston bombing. I expect that this should be a considerable donation, as sales of the song are currently up 600%! By simply going to iTunes and downloading this song, your grandchildren can feel part of this effort (and it’s a great song!).
Another opportunity for your grandchildren to contribute is by using their money— saved or earned—to purchase a tribute t-shirt from the Adidas website or a Boston Red Sox B Strong cap 
from the 47 Brand website for themselves or as gifts (there are no children’s sizes available). You might want to remind them that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner. All proceeds from these items will go to One Fund Boston.
By helping others, the children in your life will be helping themselves. It really is that simple.