This poster was hung around Newtown and its schools to gain public knowledge of the event. It was also posted on Facebook groups such as "Newtown - Class of 2022 private families page" and "Newtown High School Band", as well as personal social media accounts.
In addition to collection boxes, copies of this flyer were accessible in Newtown Public Schools to engage students and encourage them to color and make donations. It is also a reflection of the research conducted for this project compressed into quick facts easily understood by students of any age.
I partnered with Newtown Bee author Eliza Hallabeck to publish a newspaper article introducing my project. This included a brief summary and locations where items could be donated. Being published in the local newspaper gave the project much deserved publicity and spread awareness of the drive.
Donating to the Dorothy Day Hospitality House
Coloring books and individually packaged bags of coloring supplies were donated to the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury, CT. Dorothy Day serves meals and provides shelter to individuals and families in need, and my donations will be distributed as part of bagged lunches.
Find out more about Dorothy Day!
Donating to the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club
Boxes of coloring books and brand new packages of coloring materials were donated to the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in Bridgeport, and organization with the mission of providing young children a safe space. Donated items will be included as part of the Clubhouse's "art room".
Find out more about the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club!
Donating to Faith Food Pantry of Newtown
To directly give back to Newtown residents in need, I donated coloring books and crayons to the Faith Food Pantry. The Pantry focuses on distributing food to those suffering from food insecurity and poverty in Newtown, and coloring books will be available to pick up with food items.
Find out more about Faith Food Pantry!
Donating to the Resiliency Center of Newtown
The Resiliency Center of Newtown has served a fundamental role in the healing process of many impacted by the tragedy of 12/14. I donated to the Center to support their mission of providing resources so that each individual "reaches their full potential".
Find out more about the Resiliency Center!
Donating to The Center for Empowerment and Education
Collected items were given to The Center for Empowerment and Education in Danbury, CT. This organization is committed to ending domestic violence against men, women and children. Coloring books, crayons and markers were donated to provide comfort to survivors and team members.
Find out more about The Center!
Donating to Family & Children's Aid (FCA)
As a client of Family & Children's Aid for ten years, I was especially passionate about giving back to this organization. The therapy I received through FCA as a child was supported by the comfort of coloring books, and my donation of coloring books and crayons will provide the same comfort to other children and their families while receiving mental health care.
Find out more about FCA!
Mia,
Thank you for letting us participate in your project. During finals week, I put out color sheets & markers as our own experiment. The kids found the coloring very insightful.
Best wishes!
Barb (West) Grob
Aquinas High School, La Crosse, WI
Dear Mia,
Mrs. Grob introduced the idea of coloring while at school to help relieve stress. At first, I thought it would be too difficult for me to pay attention in my classes if I was busy doing something else. After I started coloring while in class, I realized it is actually much easier to take in what I am being taught. When my focus goes to one thing, it blocks the rest of my stress out and makes it easier to learn in the moment.
I really enjoyed testing the coloring-in-class theory and will certainly continue doing it.
The work you are doing is incredible and could definitely help lots of students.
all the love,
Ellie
Dear Mia,
I never colored very often, but ever since I started during finals week I can't stop! Hearing about you and your study made my want to try it and it has helped calm my stress & anxiety. Thank you so much!!
- emma
Mia,
My name is Elsa and I'm a freshman at Aquinas High School. I love the idea of coloring, especially the mandalas. It makes me feel like I'm healing my inner child. It helped me a lot during my first week of finals! Thanks :)
- Elsa
Though the purpose of my drive was to collect coloring books and coloring supplies, many people donated other miscellaneous items such as craft sets, puzzles, maze and crossword books, and children's books. I donated these materials to the Danbury Hospital Main Street Physical Rehabilitation Center, an outpatient rehab facility providing care to people of all ages. This thank-you note is from Vito, an occupational therapist working there.
To Mia,
Thank you for all the donated materials. Our patients at Main Street will really benefit! Great job on your senior project, sounds like it was a great success. Enjoy the rest of your senior year!
Vito
During my freshman year, I taught music lessons to Jessica's son as a mentor through the High School Elementary Musicianship Mentoring Association (HEMMA). I received this letter as part of her donation, and thought it was an incredible testament to the impact I've had on my community.
Mia-
When I first read about your senior project, I was like, "Where do I know that name?" Then, I remembered you were Kam's HEMMA teacher, before the pandemic. Kamden always loved your lessons. Thank you for helping him shape his love of music! Good luck w/your project!!
Jessica