good deeds ~ milk & bookies {giving up my birthday}

remember when i shared the "good deeds" post on paul rudd giving up his birthday to a charity and encouraging others to do the same? i found that completely inspiring, and since this thursday is my birthday, i've decided to ask my friends to give children's books, instead of gifts, which i will donate to milk & bookies.  

milk and bookies is an organization that teaches kids the beautiful act of giving by collecting books and donating them to other children who don't have access to books in your home town.  it's a really beautiful way to impact your own community and teach the joy of giving.  i love this adorable video explaining how important it is that children get books.  as a former teacher i've read all the research that links childhood reading {including reading to children} and later life successes.  providing books and stories to kids is absolutely vital.

if you are in the LA area i would love to see you this thursday as i celebrate my final birthday of my 20's!!  that's right, i'm not a kid nor do i have any, but i am a lover of my inner child.  as adults i think it's extremely important to experience the act of giving to others.  if we think it's a valuable lesson to teach children, then we should certainly be living this out as grown-ups as well.  

i'll be at alcove bakery between 7:30-10:00p on august 25th.
stop by if you can to:  

- give me a birthday high-five,

- grab one of alcove's famous desserts or hot chocolates, 

- drop off a book for a needy child.  

if you're not in the LA area i highly encourage you to:

- donate books directly to milk & bookies,

- donate books to a library, school, or other agency in your area,

- throw your own milk & bookies party to collect children's books!

{if this idea sparks an interest in you, i recommend contacting a local bookstore to team up with.  they can help you advertise to the larger community and provide the space for fun activities.  you could do a book reading with one of the donated books, offer free milk & cookies to everyone who donates, and provide cute bookplates where the donators can leave a message for the child who will read it.}

ps - erin!! you should especially check this video out.  ;)