It's not often that a man of 19 becomes a published author. It is even less common for the young writer to donate the proceeds from a first book to a charitable foundation.

But that's just what Jared McIntosh, a recent graduate of the Napa Valley Unified School District independent study program and author of the children's book "Apan," has done.

The illustrated book, which follows the travails of an animal named Apan among other creatures on a Pacific island, was born of a community service project McIntosh was required to complete in 12th grade. For his project, he chose to write a story about diversity and prejudice.

"The story kept getting longer and longer," said McIntosh, who was raised in Napa. "I had a pen pal from second grade, and he read it in front of the whole class. They loved it. I was really shocked."

The book will be introduced Thursday at a festive book signing at First Baptist Church in Napa.

The author's mother, Toni McIntosh, said Jared is "calling it a day to celebrate diversity. ... There will be games and things for kids. People can come and preview the book and buy it, and he'll be there to sign it."

All of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Holly Cranston Memorial Foundation. The foundation was created after an 8-year-old girl by that name succumbed to severe challenges caused by a genetic defect. The foundation was created for her memory and has, so far, given out nearly $40,000.

The funds have gone to causes such as a playground for special needs kids at McPherson Elementary School, the Napa Infant program and several individual scholarships.

Jared McIntosh received one of those scholarships. In this case, it was for expenses related to his pursuit of a hockey career.

McIntosh now plays hockey for the Winkler Flyers in Manitoba, Canada. The Flyers are part of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, which develops players for more advanced competition and helps them earn scholarships to college. The team Web site shows that McIntyre performed the "hat trick" -- scoring three goals in a single game -- in the team's Nov. 23 game against the Beausejour Blades.

"That foundation helped me out, so I just wanted to do them a favor," Jared said.

In a letter he wrote to Holly Cranston's mother, Lori, he said: "I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today had your foundation not stepped in and befriended me! I have had experiences which have led to opportunities I would not have been afforded otherwise."

Toni McIntosh said Lori Cranston's entry into her son's life "was perfect timing. He does a lot of traveling. We were trying to figure out how he would pay for his hockey fees," she explained. "She handed us a check and said this is for you to help fulfill your dreams. ... If that had happened three days later, he wouldn't be playing."

Toni said that little step up yielded large rewards.

The publication of the book is a local affair, all handled by volunteers, from illustrators to the Vintage High School Regional Occupational Program, which is printing the book.

Various businesses and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa are all helping with the effort of both publishing and distributing the book.

"My son wanted to get as many of these books into various places," said Toni McIntosh. "He's looking to donate 15 to Aldea in the name of Allen Ewig," the Aldea Family & Children's Services founder who passed away earlier this year.

The book signing is going to be a whirlwind affair for Jared. He will fly in that morning, attend the event and fly back to Manitoba for a game the next day.

His mother said his coach is very supportive of the book.

"His team is beyond supportive," said Toni McIntosh. "They want to have a special day to sell his books."