Last updated on November 29, 2010 by Liza Hawkins
“Spend a dollar, change a life.”
I’ve had this quote echoing in my mind ever since I first read the words “love drop” through a good friend on Twitter and Facebook, followed by other “Likes” for things like ItStartsWith.Us, MicroGiving and Epic Thanks.
Intrigued, I had to dig in a little deeper. I mean, these days I think we’re all in tune with a back to basics lifestyle, especially around the holidays. Spend less, buy what you can afford, be thankful for what you have and those you love, and help your neighbor.
Help your neighbor.
Americans just finished feasting on glorious amounts of food, from turkey to potatoes, pumpkin pie to sweet potatoes. It felt good, didn’t it?
But, what if you couldn’t afford to have a Thanksgiving feast?
What if you couldn’t afford those things that you and I consider to be normal, a given, chump change?
I had a taste of this a couple years ago when my husband was dealing with late-stage Lyme Disease, and was out of work without pay for almost a year. We managed, through the help of our families, to muster through financially, and we also had to cut things that we used to consider chump change (lattes, lunch out, movies, etc.) But, not everyone has the luxury of family willing (and able) to help financially.
Help your neighbor.
We’re all busy. Some have the ability to juggle their busy lives in such a way that giving back and helping those in need can be something physical – say, volunteering in a soup kitchen or delivering Meals on Wheels.
Others (like me) are already stretching every hour to the nth degree between a demanding day job, quality time with family, and other promised hours to things like blogging and related activities. But I still want to give back – I want to make a difference in others’ lives in the same way that we were able to make it through hard times.
“Spend a dollar, change a life.”
Back to those words that intrigued me recently: love drop. Let me have founders Nate and J. explain why “love drop” is so intriguing:
“It’s really simple, and it’s gonna be awesome. We’re inviting everyone to be part of a team that goes around dropping unexpected financial gifts on people once a month. Mortgages paid. Medical bills erased. Student loans gone. Equipment purchased for special-needs kids. We can do this, guys!”
It’s not all about food, but it is about keeping food on tables and in bellies by making sure other financial hardships are taken care of. Want to know more? I’m sure you do. It’s easy – pick your poison:
Are you willing to be a part of something that will change another person’s life? Something for as little as $1 a month? I couldn’t wait. It takes a village – join me!
Love this post, Liza – we can’t wait to get started! J$, Jessica and I have been working mad hours to get everything ready to go, and the website is scheduled to launch on Wednesday, December 1st.
We’re already making plans for our January Drop . . . it’s gonna be awesome. 🙂
Thanks for the support, my friend!
Nate
Thanks! I’m excited about what you guys are doing, and can’t wait to see what evolves. It’s obvious that Jessica’s passionate about this – all that passion targeted to a good cause…it’s going to be great! 🙂
This post actually made me all teary. I hate that. 😉
Thanks for sharing (and caring!).
@Jackie – Thank you for reading – thank you even more if you decide to join the village. 🙂