Russellville High School senior Katie Ford, 17, was about their age when she lost her cousin, Amy Hawkins, who was about Ford's age now when she died unexpectedly.
Hawkins' mother, Martha, established Amy's Story, a literacy foundation, in her honor.
"Amy loved to read and write and she was passionate about stories, music, and drama," the organization's literature said. "She also wanted to help others, particularly young children."
Ford, then, was able to share books from this Chilicothe-based not-for-profit with the preschool students in Ann Brennecke's class, with whom she works each day through the A+ program.
"I love my preK class and love my aunt," Ford said.
This is the second time, since Amy's Story was formed in 2005, that Russellville students have benefited.
More than 2,500 bags of books have been distributed to about 40 Missouri schools by the organization, which has been included in the state employee charitable campaign.
Amy's Story is supported through donations, the sale of cards using Amy's actual artwork, and fundraising events such as garage sales.
"I'd never turn a book down," Brennecke said. "Any time I can share a book and get it home, I'll do that."
On the web: amysliteracyfoundation.org