The Giving Room to Hold Candlelight Vigil Wednesday for Sandy Hook

Paula DiDonato, owner of the Giving Room in Southold, believes that positive thoughts and prayers can help those grieving even miles away.

Which is why DiDonato is holding a candlelight vigil at the Giving Room Wednesday from 8 to 9 p.m. for those 26 souls lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last Friday.

“This is a way to get people together and do something,” she said. “Because there is always a feeling of helplessness when these things happen.”

DiDonato said she decided on a candlelight vigil after speaking with local artist Terrence Joyce, who has hosted mindful meditation practices in his Greenport studio in the past. She said that the Giving Room will provide the candles to provide a quiet and introspective hour with readings of the names of those killed — 20 young children and six adults — and short biographies of the heroic teachers lost in the tragedy.

“It’s a very simple opportunity for us to reflect on this unthinkable loss,” DiDonato said, adding that she believes that this local vigil will help heal those who are deeply hurting.

“Healing vibrations impact people positively — I’ve seen it happen. The sorrow is so deep, it’s hard for many of us to even think about it,” she said.  “But the prayers and thoughts coming from across the world must be having a positive impact on these people.”

The Giving Room's candlelight vigil for those lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School takes place from 8 to 9 p.m.

Contact Paula at paulagivingroom@gmail.com.