# @shippensburgu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw262vSOnP9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/8502369-shippensburgu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/53cde4e8bb.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-09-06T17:05:40.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Shippensburg University (@shippensburgU) — https://gondola.cc/shippensburgU

## Caption

Five years, 23,000 books, and 25 states. That’s the impact of Books of Hope, a non-profit organization started by senior special education and early childhood education major José Lopez. 
 
“We’re dedicated to spreading the joy of reading by providing new and gently used books to children in hospitals, daycare centers, churches, and other community hubs that support our youth. Our mission is to ‘overcome the bad to create a better good,’” explained Lopez.  
 
Lopez’s inspiration for the organization came from his own personal experiences in a hospital setting. Born prematurely, Lopez spent many months in the hospital. As he got older, his mom shared many stories of the dedicated nurses in the hospital who would read to him during their shifts. Later in life he witnessed his niece undergo surgery for a brain tumor and watched first-hand how small gifts like books can bring hope to children.  
 
It should be no surprise when asked what his favorite book was as a child that Lopez quickly answers with The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. The book tells the story of a tree’s selfless love for a boy and conveys the importance of giving.  
 
“It’s vitally important to get books into the hands of young children because they serve as powerful tools for inspiration and personal growth,” said Lopez.  ➡️Full story: https://tinyurl.com/bddfs3hv #readabookday #shipisit #leadership #booksofhope

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 328
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## Tags

leadership, booksofhope, shipisit, readabookday

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