A friend recently contacted Beth Snyder to tell the story of how her two elementary school-aged sons were staying up late to write creative stories in planners from Snyder's store, 1canoe2 Paperie.
The two boys were not the only Fulton children putting pen to paper thanks to Snyder - last week her team at 1canoe2 donated 1,600 journals to Fulton Public Schools students.
For each day, the planner includes a blank open box big enough for a sketch, story or checklist.
Snyder came up with the idea to donate the planners when she realized children were going to be sent home from school to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"I thought about all the kids who might be missing art class," Snyder said.
Snyder began wondering what she could do to help. She remembered 1canoe2 had boxes of planners they hadn't sold.
On March 16, Snyder and her staff visited Bartley, Bush and McIntire elementary schools and Fulton Middle School to deliver the journals.
"It really was a bright spot on our week," she said.
This isn't the first time Snyder has donated to the schools. Last year, she donated notebooks to McIntire Elementary School, where her daughter is in third grade. At the time, an art teacher said something that's troubled Snyder ever since.
"Some of these kids have never had their own journal or notebook or sketchbook that was just their own," Snyder said. "That really stuck with me."
Snyder understands the unusual situation the COVID-19 pandemic has placed parents in with their children unable to go to school.
"It's kind of fun and cozy to be home," Snyder said, before explaining the academic side of the school shutdown has her worried. "I'm at a loss. I don't know what's expected of us."
Stephanie Wells, a fellow McIntire parent, was impressed by Snyder's donation.
"I think just opening up her backpack and finding that journal there will inspire her to keep studying," Wells said of her daughter.
To help families fill the time at home, 1canoe2 has been posting daily YouTube videos with easy drawing tutorials and ideas for games children can play in their planners. So far, viewers have had the chance to learn how to draw dogs, trucks and bikes.
At the moment, 1canoe2 is still open for business.
"We thought we might as well have the doors open if someone needs something to make their time at home better," Snyder said.