Disaster, Relief and Reading

In 2006, at the tender age of 10, Edina native Madeleine Hage traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina as part of a volunteer effort with Headwaters Disaster Relief. Madeleine’s ongoing connection to the organization led her to write a children’s book, When Haiti Shakes, in 2013. Her book aims to educate children who do not understand what earthquakes are or how to react when they occur. Using the analogy of puzzle pieces in place of tectonic plates, Hage explains why earthquakes happen and outlines safe behavior for when they do. Now 19, Hage has an even stronger connection to her volunteer work. She says, “I have found that disaster relief volunteering is rewarding because it gives me the opportunity to help people in a time of great need. It means a lot to me to know that my work has made a difference for some people who were really struggling.” To donate to Headwaters Disaster Relief or learn more about Hage’s book, visit headwatersrelief.org.