OA-FALL 2023 MAG-LINKS 1

“Surround yourself with people you can learn from and people who can bring you strength. To help people – there’s nothing else like it,” Orr said.

continues to work with them today. Through collaborating with these organizations, she has participated in grief camps for military children who lose parents. Orr’s next adventure will be presenting at the National Suicide Survivor Seminar,

eighth book, focusing on the essence of volunteerism. Throughout her entire life, Orr realized that no matter the adventure, success comes down to who is next to her. “Surround yourself with people you can learn from and people who can

In fall 2006, Orr returned to The Woods for a book signing. “It was a pilgrimage. It was so nice to be back and gain a little more faith,” she said. She decided to write another book and finish the process of launching her nonprofit, The Kind Kids.

The Kind Kids was established in 2006 and helps to connect children with senior residents of retirement centers and nursing homes with volunteerism in community activities and promoting literacy for people of all ages. Orr then began publishing books under her non-profit. “It’s really been my faith guiding me all along. Charlie and my entire family have continued to serve as my inspiration,” she said. No matter what was happening in Orr’s life, she made time to give back and serve others. After receiving a call in December 2012, Orr helped those who were impacted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. She visited five different times to speak with families and community members who were affected. Her books were displayed in the local library in Newtown, an honor for her. In addition, Glenna was introduced to Bonnie Carol, who runs the organization T.A.P.S., a non-profit

bring you strength. To help people – there’s nothing else like it,” she said. When reflecting on her teaching journey, she credited SMWC. “The Woods taught me to be a teacher, and I’ll always be thankful for that,” she said.

Far Left: Glenna Crews Orr ‘71’s

published books, “Courage,” “Remembering With The Heart” and “Music in Our Hearts.” Middle: Glenna Crews Orr ‘71 and her grandson, Charlie, who is her inspiration and she says he loves to find stories for her to write. Left: A page illustration by Marianna Bogatov from Orr’s book, “Remembering With The Heart.”

presented by T.A.P.S. in October this year. Her goal is to speak at all eight T.A.P.S. seminars. She continues her work with The Kind Kids and her writing journey with her

for the care of families of fallen soldiers. She presented workshops for two years at the national seminar for T.A.P.S. Orr also became an author for Toys for Tots and