HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — With the support of local author John Preston Smith, anyone who donates $12 to the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital will receive an audio book of his most recent work “The Bog.”

The grandfather of a child with a rare chromosomal disorder, Smith used his skills as an author as a way to make a difference in the lives of children for generations to come. By donating copies of his audio book, Smith is giving people something in return for their contribution to the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital.

“I wanted to support the ‘Building the Dream’ project for the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital and I wanted to request minimal donations that would result in instant acknowledgment and appreciation for the project,” Smith said. “The idea was to have a project that would be affordable for everyone and whereby everyone receives something tangible as our show of thanks.”

Doug Sheils, director of strategic marketing at Cabell Huntington Hospital, offered his familiar voice to the reading of “The Bog,” which is Smith’s fictional tale about the bond between dogs and their owners.

“My first contact with John was when he served as a hospice volunteer for my father, providing friendship and companionship during the final weeks of his life,” said Sheils. “John is a remarkably caring, generous and insightful man. It was my honor and privilege to partner with him in the creation of his audio book.”

As an added incentive, the first 2,000 donors will also receive a handcrafted piece of art from area school children who also wanted a role in supporting their hospital.

Smith, a Huntington native and author of seven books, is making the audio book available at local businesses including the Cabell Huntington Hospital Gift Shop, Robert’s Running Shop locations in Huntington and Charleston, Meehling Insurance on Route 60 in Huntington and John P. Smith Insurance Agency in Huntington.

Donations may be made, and audio book orders can be taken, by calling (304) 526-6314. To order “The Bog” online, click the “Make a Gift” icon on the bottom of any page of www.cabellhuntington.org. Enter at least $12 as the amount you wish to donate, choose “Buy The Bog” from the designation drop-down menu and complete the rest of the form as indicated. A $3 shipping fee is added to mailed orders.