Author Summer Nilsson delivers advance copies of The Land of the Pines to Stephanie Brigger at Scottish Rite for Children.

Scottish Rite for Children is a world-renowned leader in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions, sports injuries and fractures, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia.

Scottish Rite for Children is celebrating a century of giving children back their childhood.

“Several years ago, my nieces decided that they wanted to spend a weekend with me in Dallas. It was just a few weeks before Christmas. They were 8 years old at the time. Like any “cool aunt”, I planned two full days of activities, from an experience at American Girl Doll to the Nutcracker ballet. However, the activities that resonated most were our visits to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and the Genesis Women’s Shelter.

I had asked my nieces to sort through their toys, dolls and clothes to find items that they could give to kids whose circumstances were less fortunate. They took the task to heart. They arrived in Dallas with bags filled with toys, which were all delivered to Genesis Women’s Shelter.

My nieces were then each given an opportunity to choose a doll at the American Girl Doll store. I promised to wrap their dolls and place them under the tree for Christmas morning. However, I also asked them to choose two additional dolls which would be presented as gifts to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

When it came time to schedule the official launch day for The Land of the Pines, I wanted to honor my now 13-year-old nieces by donating advance copies of the book to patients at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. It was my way of including my nieces in a day that I will never forget, in a memory that I will always treasure, and in the launch of a book that they inspired.

Through the Loodor Tales, I hope to continue this movement in making a difference to support and encourage kids.

- Founder & Author, Summer Nilsson