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Library offers grief activity bags

Not every grieving child steps through the doors of Heartworks, a family-based peer support program offered at UPMC Susquehanna. That’s why staff and volunteers are piloting a community-wide initiative to make grief-related resources available to children who have experienced a death.

“We are placing care packages in the community that can help children and their families or caregivers explore feelings of grief,” said Linda Bryant, Heartworks coordinator.

The first three kits are available at the James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St.

The resources are designed to be used at the family’s convenience to help those who cannot make it to a Heartworks meeting. Studies have shown that suppressed grief is linked with depression, violence, truancy, school failure, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies, Bryant said.

“Our goal is to offer any support we can to grieving children during this difficult time in their lives,” Bryant said.

The Brown Library’s activity kits explore the loss of a family member, pet or one centering on emotions. Each kit includes games centering on the topic, puppets or toys and thought-provoking books, along with some items each family can keep and a brief survey to be returned with the bags.

The bags were created with support from grant funding and community donations. Schools and libraries interested in having a kit for their facility should contact Bryant at Bryant.linda@­com cast.net or call Heartworks at 570-320-7691.

Heartworks is an informational resource for parents, schools, churches and community groups. They meet twice a month, from September to May, at Divine Providence Hospital. Call 570- 320-7691 or visit UPMCSusque­ hanna.org/Heartworks for more information.

The James V. Brown Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and 24/7 at www.jvbrown.edu.

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