There are books that I love to read over and over again. I don't know why. Sometimes I think its the sense of the familiar. Other times I think its because the work was just that good. And then other times its just plain comforting. Mostly, its entertaining.

Like most people who love to read I keep a personal library of sorts. Granted I did some severe culling for the book drive. And before that I was very much the type of person who would loan out books willy-nilly. I've been composing a list of books I'd love to have in hard cover. I started thinking of what books I would absolutely love to have when it dawned on me how lucky I am.

Between the library, friends, the internet, and discretionary income, I have access to anything I want to read. I know about all the wonderful things there are out there to read. I have the option of reading or not reading because I know there are always wonderful things out there to read. I can find comfort in something I have read. I can feel safe or entertained or enlightened because of something I have read. And it occurred to me that all of this is because I fell in love with reading as a child.

Which, of course, led me to thinking of the Oasis Youth Shelter.

Then I got a wonderful idea. I was going to spend 2007 purchasing hard copies of the books I wanted for my personal library. I already designate an amount per month to spend on books for the shelter. What if I spent my personal library money on the shelter as well? Which sounds great in theory, but in reality it really wouldn't make a huge difference in stocking the shelves.

I thought of you guys. I thought of how quickly the books started flying off the wish list. I thought about all of the donations I've shipped. I thought about how many people have contacted me asking how they could help. I have to admit, I've gotten slower in my thinking as I've aged. So, I had to ponder on all these thoughts for a while. Finally, it came to me. A matching program is what I need.

So, here is the deal. From now until July 13, 2007 I will match any donation you make through the wish list. SERIOUSLY. I will match any donation you make to the wish list.

Here is what I mean:

• You make a donation to the wish list before July 13th.
• You forward your amazon shipping notice to chasitymoodyATifeelpithyDOTcom (feel free to remove any personal shipping info that you want to keep private.).
• I send the exact same amount you spent from amazon in books.
• I recognize you and your website (if applicable) on this blog. (this is totally optional on your part)

Simple as that. I will continue sending my monthly amount from the wish list. I will continue begging my friends, acquaintances and strangers for books to ship. But I will also be sending the same monetary value of books that you are to the shelter.

Here is a special incentive: you can choose how I spend my donation. You can tell me when you forward your confirmation if you want me to send specific books, if you want me to simply mirror your order, or if you want me to use my own discretion as to what to ship.

Just like that we have both doubled our donation of books to children in crisis. Now for me, its a little more than the actual donation. For me, its about passing along that sense of comfort and enlightenment. For you, it can be as simple as a tax write off. Or, it could be something bigger. Maybe you too want to pass on the sheer joy of being lost in a book.