HICKORY - At Hickory's Rotarian Idol in March, 14-year-old Brooke DeLeary performed a song she wrote titled "Voiceless." The song was inspired by the tragic story of Zahra Baker and others in the world who live difficult and hard lives.

"Last November, my mom came home from a meeting at Safe Harbor Rescue Mission and told me about it," said DeLeary. "The women there are just so strong and have been through so much. I was also thinking a lot about Zahra."

That night DeLeary went up to her room and wrote the song she titled "Voiceless." In this song, she talks not only about Zahra but others that have gone through tough times in their life.

"I know that Zahra probably tried to tell people but no one listened or did anything," said DeLeary. "Seeing a child hurting really hurts me. I want people to pay attention to what is going on around them. We need to listen and talk for the voiceless."

"My husband and I were awed and almost to tears when we first heard it," said Carrie DeLeary. "This song is powerful and hits so many elements. It can touch a lot of people."

Brooke has been singing ever since she can remember but only seriously started singing about three years ago.

"I want people to be touched by my music and be inspired," said DeLeary. "I want to be a role model for little girls and someone they can look up to."

As DeLeary says in her song, "We need to be the voice for the voiceless. Zahra is one of the many."

A recording of "Voiceless" can be found on YouTube. 

"I am really glad there is going to be a playground that will remind people of the tragedy of Zahra Baker's death," added DeLeary. "I am also glad there will be plaques that talk about her."

The Kiwanis Clubs in Catawba County, including the Kiwanis Clubs of Newton, Western Catawba and Hickory, and the Catawba County Golden K Club have partnered together to raise money for an all-children playground in honor of Zahra Baker.  The playground will be located at 805 6th Street, SE, Hickory.

For more information on the Zahra Baker All-Children's playground, visit http://www.playgroundforzahra.org. All donations are tax deductible through the Kiwanis Foundation.

Donations can be made online or sent to: Kiwanis Playground Fund for Zahra

                                          P.O. Box 9572

                                          Hickory, NC 28603

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