Vance children contribute to Hope Trunk Published March 12, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Agneta Murnan Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In 1955, Sadako, a Japanese girl exposed to radiation in Hiroshima, died of leukemia. What makes her story unique is she strove to fold 1,000 paper cranes to be cured of her illness. The symbolic meaning of paper cranes is that of peace and healing. This sentiment is shared by the Vance AFB School Age Program who have been folding Origami birds for the Oklahoma City Memorial Museum. Children in the program fold paper cranes each month as a long term commitment. The museum then sends the birds to schools, communities and organizations requesting a "Hope Trunk" from the museum. The "Hope Trunk" is a package sent to groups who may have suffered devastation such as a tornado or other disaster. It is designed to teach children about hurt and how to express feelings in healthy ways. Inside the Hope Trunk are books, artifacts of the Oklahoma City bombing and lessons plans.