Comments for a Cause brings the most excitement to It’s Just Life. The best thing I do on the blog is highlight a new cause each month and I have been doing this since April 2011. That is a LOT of great causes highlighted, isn’t it ? I love that some people pop over on the first of every month just to see what the new cause is. Thank you!
This past month I chose UMCOR – United Methodist Committee on Relief specifically Hurricane Florence Relief . I know that many people have been affected by both Florence and Matthew over the past weeks and it breaks my heart to see the devastation that these two hurricanes left in their paths. UMCOR is a wonderful organization that gives 100% of its donations directly to relief efforts. Administrative costs are paid through other avenues which I also support.
The recovery time is long and grueling and UMCOR shows up and stays . One of the best projects that the United Methodist Church does during the year is making flood buckets that are distributed in times like this. When we go to Annual Conference in Lakeside, Ohio every year there is a huge semi that is filled during the week with those flood buckets that congregations make and donate just for this purpose. So I know that some of those buckets that were on that semi are already being put to use.
I am happy to share that we will be donating $162 to UMCOR for Hurricane Florence Relief. What a great way to show our compassion and it is so easy for my readers to leave a comment and make a donation that way. I do appreciate your comments so much.
It was with sadness that the news of Todd H. Bol’s death was received this past month. Todd was the founder and vision behind the Little Free Library movement. He built the first little red schoolhouse themed library from recycled materials in honor of his mom and her love of books and place it in his yard. The rest, as they say, is history. I wrote a little post about him that you can read here.
Todd H. Bol – photo found on www.littlefreelibrary.org
There are 75,000 + registered Little Free Libraries in existence today and the amazing thing is how popular they are becoming. My heart is so happy when I spy one and I am a frequent “book bomber” and leave books in as many as I can find. My friends have been incredibly generous and share books with me to keep the love of books going.
It seemed only right to feature Little Free Library as my Comments for a Cause recipient this month. I have already featured them before and rarely donate to the same cause twice but this time it seems timely and appropriate. Todd’s wish was that his dream be moved forward.
Before his death, Todd asked that those who love Little Free Library help move his dream forward by supporting our mission. Your donation to the Todd H. Bol Vision Fund will help us continue spreading the joy of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes around the world.
“I really believe in a Little Free Library on every block and a book in every hand. I believe people can fix their neighborhoods, fix their communities, develop systems of sharing, learn from each other, and see that they have a better place on this planet to live.” – Todd H. Bol, October 16, 2018
26 Comments
Leave a commentA perfect choice for this month’s Comments for a Cause. I was hoping you would pick this one. Happy First of November.
This is such a nice thing that you do, Beth Ann. It’s sad to learn of Todd’s passing, but wonderful that he masterminded such a wonderful thing. I’m sure his wish for the Little Free Library project will come true!
He did mastermind something really wonderful and it makes me happy whenever I see a LFL . What a gift.
Comments for a Cause is one of my favorite things on the internet! Thank you Beth. Do you know how many times I say to myself- round up some books for Beth!
That’s so sweet of you to say! I do think it is fun to do the reveal each month and with readers like you it makes it even better! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment!
Another great cause! Every time I spy a Little Free Library, I think of you, Beth Ann. 🙂
Thanks! I love that they are popping up everywhere now.
I’m-a-huge-fan-of-this-cause!
Best-o’-luck,-&-Happy-Reading!
Thanks, Josh. I always think each cause is better than the last one. 🙂
Wonderful idea. Glad to see that you are still being the ripple for good in all you do and write about.
Thank you, Ozzie. You are always so gracious and willing to stop by and check out what is going on here on It’s Just Life. It is so appreicated.
Perfect!
Thanks! I think so as well!
I love the little free libraries. Still haven’t seen one around these parts but hopefully someday…
Here’s an easy way to find them–just put your area in on the LFL map and see what pops up. I didn’t see any near you but there are some in Boca. Maybe YOU need to put one up! :-)https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/
Another wonderful and appropriate cause. I am sure Todd is smiling down.
I understand how challenging it is to have a mom with dementia. My mom who was my encourager fell victim to dementia. That later turned into Alzheimer’s. She too would drift back and forth from fearing the police were coming to get her to asking me why I never came to see her. It’s tough and mom’s been gone for several years now. However each night I remember mom. She was the one that always believed in me,always encouraged me and cared so much. Those are what carry you on that journey even when it’s bumpy or downright crappy. Take care and God Bless you.
Ozzie, it is people like you and Virginia who encourage me on this journey. There are so many that walk it and it helps to know the others have walked the same path. Your mom had to have been a very special person indeed and it is wonderful to be able to share the good memories. I focus on those and try to minimize the sad ones.
If you want books to give away, visit the Internet Portal, live at last on Jackson Street. Used books are $10/dozen; freebies are possible for cash customers.
That sounds like my kind of store for sure! Lovely!
I had just installed my LFL the week that Todd Bol passed. I was so sadd for his family. Such a wonderful man and visionary! ☺
I agree— what a legacy he left. Thank you for sharing the love of reading !
What a wonderful concept (comments for a cause)! My own LFL chartered just days prior to Todd’s passing. It has been amazing, as a new steward, to see the love in the steward community and the dedication to continue his work!
Thanks, Tracy. Comments for a Cause has been a great thing on my blog and I am so happy that we can do this to highlight a few really great causes. Please feel free to stop by often and see what is going on on It’s Just Life. 🙂
Hi Beth Ann! Love the LFL post, I didn’t know the history behind them and now they’re even more special to me. I also giggled at your Tupperware memories, we’re showing our age! I’d love to see what they have going these days, please shoot me your show info.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Carolee—It is a pretty neat story how the LFL organization came to be and they are EVERYWHERE now. I just got a message from a lady in our town who put one up in front of her house so now we have even more in our little town. 🙂 The Tupperware has definitely evolved over the years! Will send you a link to my page. I think there are more specials coming but my consultant hasn’t sent me the link yet.