The students also sent letters sharing how the trunks have affected them. Below are a few excerpts.
"In the Holocaust chest that you sent to Finch Elementary, I read Faces of Courage, by Sally Rogow... Thank you for helping me get that opportunity to read such courageous stories from some amazing people. Reading these stories helped me understand how much simply standing up for someone being bullied can change the world... If I ever have the chance I will make an impact in the world. No. Even if I have to fight to make a difference. I WILL make a change."
"The book I chose to read was Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, and let me say I am amazed how much this book and suitcase you sent has changed me. It just makes me cringe when i think about all the people in the world who have had to face death, or life-threatening injuries, just because of their skin color, religion, or for even being handicapped or gay. And because of you one of my new favorite quotes is "change begins with me."... Lowry's bok helped me realize that I need to embrace who I am and not be ashamed of the color of my skin [I am African American]."
"The story [Number the Stars by Lois Lowry] made me realize how terrible this war was.... It makes me sad how someone could do this.... I wish to help people and teach them about this terrible event. I hate to know about this but at least it helps us be able to teach this scary event. To teach kids and other people about it and be able to learn that I don't want to be a bystander."
Thank you Paul Regelbrugge and your students for their great work!
