[Noticias] A Gentle Reminder

A gentle reminder:  In this age of Kindles and Nooks, there are still some folks who prefer to turn paper pages in a book.  In Boquete, Irene Haines has been collecting and selling used (and new) books for over 6 years at the Tuesday Meetings (now at the Boquete Community Playhouse/BCP).  All the money that is taken in from the book sales is donated equally among three charitable causes:  Boquete Handicap Foundation, Buenos Vecinos, and the Carolain Alvarez Conception fund.  What this means is that if a recent paperback which cost $10.99 (the going price for U.S. paperbacks) were to be donated, Irene will turn around and sell it for $2.00.  Good deal for you!  If you then read the book and return it back to Irene, she will again sell it for $2.00.  Good deal for the next reader!  Third time around, the book will have generated $2.00 for each charity.  And so on.  Two dollars goes a long way for charitable causes in Panama!  And with prices going up, those dollars mean much more to feed people, buy assistive devices, or ensure education for a blind child. Of course, this plan falls apart if reader number two doesn't return the book or gives, loans, or trades it to someone else.  Generation from the book remains at $2.00.  The revenue stream ends. This is a good deal for everyone, and Irene should be commended for diligently organizing and operating this service.  It gives those who prefer to read books In English a local place to find them (although some of the donated books are in the Spanish language, too) and in doing so, contributing to three charitable causes in the community.  Please take the time to visit her selection of books when you next visit the Tuesday Market and Meeting – and remember to "Pay It Forward"!