Give a gift, help make a difference to Chinese children

Tired of sending the folks from home some tacky Chinese souvenir for Christmas? Why not send them something that makes a difference?

The Library Project has created some nice gift cards to help raise funds and awareness for their excellent cause – building libraries and donating books to under-funded schools and orphanages in China and across Asia.

The Library Project’s Gift Cards come in denominations of 50, 100, 250, and 500 children’s books (@ $1/book), and feature gorgeous photography taken at schools that The Library Project is currently supporting. If the recipient is in the US, postage is included – as is an envelope.

Not a fan of X-mas? Give them out for whatever reason you like – birthdays, special occasions, employee bonuses, or as a holiday stocking stuffer. Actually, scratch that “employee bonuses” one – I mean, certainly, go ahead and make it a nice thing you did in the name of your employees – but expect some pretty lack-luster productivity in the new year if your entire employee bonus is a donation.

The bottom line is that none of us “need” a reason to do something good for people that don’t have the advantages that we do (and if you’re reading this, you’re part of that “we”), sometimes we just need to be reminded that we can – it doesn’t take much, and it can make a huge difference.

I know we’re all inundated this time of year from various charity groups all playing the same “feel good” line, and charities are great. But this is why I support The Library Project so deeply – I don’t feel it’s a charity. The Library Project is about empowerment, giving (little) people the tools to raise themselves out of their circumstance.

Knowledge breeds ability, self-respect, the respect of others, confidence, curiosity, imagination and creativity. If a well-placed book can do all of that, it’s not “charity” to give these books, it’s duty.

To kick donations off and show my support, all ad revenue from Lost Laowai and the Hao Hao Report for the month of December will go to The Library Project. We’re not talking millions (sigh) but it doesn’t take millions.

If you can spare a few bucks, check out how you can make a difference. If you’re interested in buying some gift cards, or have any questions about The Library Project, contact Tom (@library-project.org).