EXCERPTS FROM SEATTLE SCHOOL CHILDREN'S INDIVIDUAL MESSAGES TO BICYCLE RECIPIENTS IN LOUISIANA
Seattle school children captured the essence of this project in some 400 notes and drawings in these touching messages. This project represents a citizen-to-citizen, heart-to-heart humanitarian effort, in which people were provided an opportunity to communicate with, show support for and help hurricane evacuees in their own ways. Below are excerpts from some of the children's personal notes:
 - We are in this together (Picture of three people linking arms)
- I know how it feels to lose everything in your guys lives. And I want to help by giving you something - a bike. I'm doing this because you guys are people just like me, and I care for you guys. I am so glad that you guys are alive still, but if there are some people who aren't feeling well, I hope that they get well pretty soon.
- I am sad that you don't have a house and things that you lost. I want you to be happy with your bike.
- I'm writing to cheer you up. I'm sorry for your losses but life goes on. You're going to have a good day coming. I hope you like your bike and get food and water. I wish I could do more but I'm only 11. And I feel so bad for you guys and I'm really concerned. I feel great that you are still alive and well. I wonder what kind of bike you have. I hope you like it and enjoy it. It was a harmful storm but hope everything goes well.
- I remember the first time I rode my bike. I rode around in circles and after that my grandma took off the training wheels and I started to ride better and better and that's how I Iearned to ride a bike.
- I'm so sorry about what happened to you in the hurricane and I hope you feel the joy when you ride your new bicycle.
- Sorry everything was destroyed. I wish I could go over there and help you and the others, but you are far away from me. I live in Seattle. So here's a little present and have fun. Remember now there is always hope and don't forget it.
- I am sorry for all your losses. I heard you're going back to school so here's a # 2 pencil. This pencil should help you get through school. Anyway, I hope you have a great time on your new bike. P.S. The pencil is sharpened.
- Hi, I'm so sorry for what happened. You lost everything. We feel so sorry about it. My class feels so sorry for what happened. We hope our letters help you feel better. I hope these bikes help you get around. I hope you have a place to live. Hope you have fun with the bikes!!
- You will love your new bike. When you ride it, wind will blow through your hair.
- We are sending you a bike and a helmet for you to be safe and I hope that bike will make you happy.
- I hope you like the bike and helmet we send you. Do you know how to ride a bike? If you don't you really need to use a helmet.
- I wish I could help you but I am only 8 years old. I hope you like the bicycle. I hope you sleep good and have sweet dreams.
- I am so sorry what happened in Louisiana. I hope this won't happen again. Hurricane Katrina hit hard, didn't it. Well, I hope you and your family are OK. I hope this will cheer you up. We are sending bikes and helmets. I feel unhappy for you losing all of your favorite stuff. I would be crying if I lost all of my favorite stuff. The bike is a gift for you. You can name your bike too. I name my bike Crystal. I hope you enjoy your bike and helmet.
- I am sorry that you lost everything but it will get better. I hope you like your new bike. I know that it is hard for you but be strong and things will get better. I wish I could help you but I am only 8.
- You can come to Greenwood School in Seattle, WA. I donated $10 of my allowance to the Salvation Army. I am 7 years old
- You can come to Greenwood School in Seattle. The teachers are very nice and so are the kids. You can make friends so quick that you will have many friends the first day. Sometimes the work is hard but it is fun. Fall is coming so it is going to be colder. Then you can borrow some jackets or umbrellas because it's going to rain.
- Greenwood Elementary School is one of the best schools in the U.S. It has the best teachers in the world. There is a lot of fun. Come visit our school. I am sure that you will enjoy it as well.
- I am 7. I would try to raise money for the fund. If I won the lottery I would give you half a million. I will share my toys with anyone that wants them. P.S. It's an awesome school.
- You can come to Greenwood School in Seattle. We are nice people. I am sure you will fit in. We have a nice playground and good teachers. I am sure you will like this school. But things happen differently than you think. But you will get used to it I'm sure.
- I can tell funny jokes. Sometimes when I feel sad I tell myself funny jokes.
- I feel sad because people and pets are dying. I think you must feel sad but a little bit thankful that you go saved. I wish you a good life. Here is a drawing to make you feel better.
- I can tell funny jokes. Sometimes when I feel sad I tell myself funny jokes.  - Hello Child Friend… don't worry, things will get better
- I am 7 years old. I know you are sad. I'm here to cheer you up. When I am sad, it makes me happy when I'm playing with my friends. If I could fly to give you a hug, I would. I hope this letter cheered you up.
- I am 8 years old. Me and my friends had a bake sale and we raised $200. One person gave us $20 and didn't even buy a cookie.
- If you come to Seattle you will love it here.
- I wish I could give you a pile of candy. And I also wish I could give you a home where there is a lot of food.
- I hope if you go to a different state maybe we can be friends.
- You always have a friend in Seattle who is thinking about you.
- The whole country is thinking about you.
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