As the city of Nashville continues to grieve the mass shooting at The Covenant School that claimed the lives of three children and three adults, kids, parents, and community members are honoring the police who bravely neutralized the shooter and stopped further carnage.
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Magpies Paducah, a kids’ clothing store, has been collecting heartfelt letters for Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo, members of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department who rushed into danger.
Megan Falder, the owner of Magpies Paducah, told WPSD-TV she wanted to help out after hearing what unfolded. Magpies Nashville is a sister store close to The Covenant School, so Falder felt motivated to encourage the community to write letters and draw photos for the Nashville cops.
“Just like their community, this could have just as easily sadly been our own community, and why not, when we have the means, help out and spread some love and joy,” Falder told WPSD-TV.
She continued, “I think a lot of times, we forget to slow down to write and share our feelings with others and, sometimes, the smallest words can mean the world to others.”
Sharon Hale is just one of the moms whose children wrote letters for Engelbert and Hale. One of the letters read, in part, “Thank you so much; you guys saved their school. You are a hero for your bravery.”
And more letters keep getting added to the pile, according to WTVF-TV.
In a separate note, one 5-year-old wrote, “You guys are heroes.” Another added, “You guys saved us all.”
Hale told the outlet she let her kids write and draw what came from their hearts.
“I did not tell them what to draw or guide their letters,” she said. “They kind of did it all and, obviously, it shows they did rainbows and hearts and sunshine. Obviously, as horrific as this event is, they obviously have love for these officers, and love for our community.”
Others are writing letters for the children, teachers, and parents of kids from The Covenant School, offering love to those impacted by the horrific shooting.
Magpies Paducah is also helping put together orders of stuffed animals known as Warmies that can be heated or cooled to help soothe children.
These toys will be sent to children at The Covenant School with a short note on the tag that reads, “You are strong. You are brave. You are LOVED.”
Continue to pray for the Nashville community and the children and adults impacted by last week’s horrific shooting.
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