Coloring Away Pain and The Foundation for Coloring Away Pain began as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Watching the devastation on TV Kimberly wanted to do more than just write a check, she wanted her and her children to become involved first hand in the recovery efforts. “I have always taught my children that it is not what the world can do for them, but what they can do for the world. This became the perfect opportunity to put those words into practice”.
With in weeks, Kimberly and the children had collected over 6,000 coloring books and boxes and crayons to send to the children who had lost everything to this terrible storm. Dozens of local business, churches, schools and strangers from across the country donated coloring books and crayons. DHL shipping joined in was kind enough to donate all the delivery to the Gulf Coast states that were affected.
Receiving the thank you letters and pictures from kids who received the coloring books and crayons was so rewarding. From there it was decided to create and write a line of coloring books that dealt specifically with the trials and life changing events children face.
“What Happened To Me, A Listen To My Story Coloring Book” series was born. Our coloring books are unique in that they are two part. The first half of the book feature characters who have experienced a similar situation as the child, the second half allows children to journal and or illustrate their very own experience allowing their own personal story to be heard.
It has been just over a year and we currently have 19 coloring books available in English and Spanish. Victim advocates, police departments, school psychologists and State Attorneys offices across the country have requested our books for review and use.
The Foundation for Coloring Away Pain is a 501 ( C ) 3 organization that donates these coloring books, along with a new box of crayons to children who have been affected by devastating natural disasters. Our disaster series covers Storms, Fires, Floods and Earthquakes.
As it was in the beginning, it is our hope to help children cope one coloring book at a time.
Where Our Books Go
Our books are sold individually or donated in larger quantities in the wake of man-made and natural disasters. We try to respond within 10 days of a traumatic event to most effectively meet the needs of the affected children. To see a list of donations that the Foundation has made, please click here.
Who We Are
Kimberly Pressley-Herrick is the founder of Coloring Away Pain and The Foundation for Coloring Away Pain. Kimberly is a native South Floridian, a single mother of three with a passion for writing and helping others. Kimberly’s children share in the desire to help others and are responsible for the art work featured on our line of note cards.
Richard Herrick, General Operations Director. Rick is a graduate from the School of Hard Knocks and owned and operated his own business successfully for over thirty years. Rick enjoys fishing, inventing new products, fishing with his grandsons and teaching his granddaughter the game of golf. Rick has been instrumental in getting Coloring Away Pain off the ground. His knowledge and experience is invaluable.
Board of Directors - The Foundation for Coloring Away Pain:
Kimberly Pressley-Herrick, Chairman
Rhoda Cohen
Brenda Di Ioia, Esq.
Dolly Di Ioia
Mira Halpert
Stephanie Herrick
Marcia Katz
Meg Nash
Miladys Perez
