PR Success Story ROR-Iowa Helps Children Cope With Tragedy After Floods The floods of June 2008 displaced more than 2,000 children in Iowa and impacted the lives of thousands more, damaging or destroying their homes, schools, childcare facilities, friends' homes, or playgrounds. Recognizing the importance of reading aloud to children during stressful times, Reach Out and Read-Iowa partnered together with a number of organizations in the state to support "Kids Helping Kids in the Flood" and distribute books to Iowa children affected by the tragedy. Children were given the book "The Flood That Came to Grandma's House," a book by Iowa author Linda Stallone that helps children understand how floods occur and what happens during and after a flood; how families and communities are affected; and how they work to rebuild their homes and their lives. The book also has a section in the back for children to write or draw their own story about the flood and how it affected them. ROR-Iowa's efforts are making parents aware that reading aloud to children helps provide them with a sense of security, a predictable routine, parental support, and nurturing care that can help both children and families cope with hardship. ROR-Iowa and Kids Helping Kids held a series of kickoff events in October, which earned significant media attention, including articles in the Iowa City Press-Citizen and The Gazette, radio interviews, and television coverage. Here are a number of materials from their efforts: Press Release announcing formation of Kids Helping Kids Press Release previewing KHK kickoff events One-page overview of Kids Helping Kids We've very proud of ROR-Iowa's efforts to help families in need and encourage all ROR Coalitions to do what they can to help others during times of tragedy. ROR has a history of stepping in to disseminate that message and distribute books to children affected by natural disasters, including a major effort to help families displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We have a number of resources that we can share with any ROR Coalition seeking to assist families in their region, including reading tips for a bookmark, book title suggestions, and advice for doctors treating the wounded/displaced. If you have any questions, contact communications@reachoutandread.org.   Return