By: centraljersey.com
ALLENTOWN – Sometimes when opportunity calls, you’re in the shower.
Madeline Collins, the 17-year-old author and illustrator of a children’s book about the sacrifices of veterans, waxes lyrical about missing the personal call two weeks ago from ABC-TV reporter Bob Woodruff, a former Iraq war correspondent whose foundation is receiving the proceeds from her book’s sales.
"I was in the shower when it happened," Madeline says. "I heard the phone ring and some guy leaving a message. So I played it back and heard, ‘Hello Madeline, this is Bob Woodruff…’ Then he started talking, and I was like oh my God! I missed it! This is so horrible!"
Madeline, a Millstone resident who is a senior at Allentown High School, self-published her book "Stars and Stripes Celebrate Memorial Day" as part of her work toward her Girl Scout Gold Award. Her goal is to raise at least $1,000 through book sales for Mr. Woodruff’s foundation, which helps injured American troops who’ve returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mr. Woodruff started the charity following his own recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained when a roadside bomb struck his vehicle in Iraq in 2006. Madeline sent him a complimentary copy of the book at ABC-TV’s offices, which prompted his phone call to Madeline.
Madeline says that in the voicemail message, Mr. Woodruff thanked her for her fundraising efforts on behalf of his foundation. He also chatted a bit about his own days playing Division I lacrosse for Colgate University because he’d been told she’d be playing lacrosse next year for LaSalle University on a scholarship.
Although Mr. Woodruff left his home phone number in his message, he wasn’t there when Madeline called him back.
"I wish I was doing my homework or something like that when he called so I wouldn’t have missed it," she says with a laugh. "Why did I have to be in the shower at that moment?"
Rather than dwell on her missed opportunity, Madeline quickly switches gears and hones her sales pitch with an interviewer. "Would you like to buy a copy before you go?" she asks with a megawatt smile that not even the toughest customer could refuse.
Not surprisingly, Madeline’s direct sales have been brisk. (The book also can be purchased online at Amazon.com.) In the month since the book was published, Madeline has sold 70 copies and raised $700 for Bob Woodruff’s charity. More public events with potential sales opportunities are planned to help her reach her $1,000 fundraising goal.
Superintendent of Schools Richard Fitzpatrick says Madeline, who also is captain of the field hockey team and member of the National Honor Society, will be making a "guest author" appearance at the elementary school, where she will read her book and sign autographed copies for children and teachers.
"Stars and Stripes Celebrate Memorial Day" is a children’s book about two curious kittens named Stars and Stripes whose incessant questions help them learn the meaning of the national holiday and the customs associated with it. Madeline drew all of the animal characters and pictures with color pencils.
Children reading the book learn right along with Stars and Stripes how the practice of decorating graves with flower wreaths started after the Civil War, why blue and gold stars were hung in the windows of homes during World War I, and the significance of the paper red poppy flowers sold by disabled veterans groups.
"I wanted to be able to put my name on a project that would combine all my interests: reading, writing and art," Madeline says. "I just thought writing and illustrating a book for charity would be perfect!"
Madeline and her parents, Mary and Tim Collins, researched online the different ways to self-publish and took the least expensive route for her 26-page full-color book, which is soft-cover.
"We wanted to make sure that as much money as possible would make it to this charity," Madeline says. "They focus on supporting injured soldiers returning from war and their families in every way possible such as education, therapy and helping them get a job. They also help on a more universal level by trying to prevent homelessness and substance abuse in returning soldiers."
Madeline says her grandfather, Jim Collins, a U.S. Marine who fought in World War II, is among her book’s biggest fans.
"My grandpa and grandma live with us now and it’s so cute because they always come in and ask me for updates," Madeline says. "They say: ‘How many did you sell today?’"
Copies of "Stars and Stripes Celebrate Memorial Day," by Madeline Collins, are being sold for $10 at Allentown High School and online at Amazon.com. For information about the Bob Woodruff Foundation, go to www.remind.org.