Sharing the Bounty

by Dawn Lambert Master Gardener, Emma Spencer Living Follow Volcano Dawn on Twitter for Big Island sights and sounds The shelves groaned with the weight of the many books. Rarely were these books removed and enjoyed as the guests at VVL were far too busy exploring the Big Island. It just made sense to find the books new homes where they would be appreciated. Some books went to the Cooper Center in Volcano Village, where locals and visitors could purchase them. The proceeds go to help Cooper Center stay open. Our farmers’ market, swap meet and many local groups meet there. Books for Soldiers (booksforsoldiers.com) gave us the opportunity to match soldier requests with many more of our books. Books for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that serves all branches of our armed forces. Troops can go online and request specific books or genre of books, dvds, music, games, snacks – just about anything. Volunteers try to fill the requests. Downsizing for our move to Hawaii, I have sent hundreds of boxes to troops serving all over the world. We volunteers are cautioned not to expect answers or thank you’s from the troops, but more often than not, we hear from them. Several I still communicate with after 5 years. The first soldier I heard back from is now stationed on Oahu and we hope to meet in person soon. The most important thing is to let them know you are thinking of them and thank them for their service and sacrifice. The books and such help fill the boredom, loneliness and relieve anxiety. So if you stay at Volcano Village Lodge, you will still find books on Hawaiian history and culture, tour books, children’s books as well as novels set in Hawaii. There is also a large collection of DVD’s set or filmed in Hawaii. If you finish a book while you’re staying with us, leave it and perhaps it will brighten a soldier’s day in some faraway location. And, if you’re interested in downsizing while supporting our troops, consider Books for Soldiers.