Avery's Birthday Donation Drive Results!

So, it all started when we were teaching Avery about service, and how she can serve others, even at her young age. We gave her a few suggestions, and one of them was the idea of using her birthday party as a way to help collect donations for people in need. She caught hold of the idea, and decided she wanted to help children. "I want to help children in Africa. Or maybe I want to help children in China!" We told her that it was her decision, but mentioned the fact that there were even children in our town that need help. She replied with, "Really?! Okay, I'm going to help them!"

We researched on the internet and found the Safe Homes of Augusta, Inc. I contacted them about the idea, received a donation needs list, and we got to work. The theme of the party was, "Give a Hoot!" and Avery and I sewed toy owls that the kids stuffed and finished at the party.

We sent out the donations needs list with the invitations to the party,

through Facebook, and through Erik's work. We set up a bin on post, and people have been dropping off donations all month. The party was cute and fun, and the response we received has been MUCH more than we expected.

We ended up collecting 712 items in new or gently used condition for donation!

We made this sign to give to the Safe Homes as well. We had everyone who donated sign it. :)

When we dropped off the donation, the ladies up front all took the time to talk to Avery about what a wonderful thing she did. Then they brought out their executive director, Amiee Hall, to thank Avery.

They also put Avery up on their Facebook page. All in all it was an AMAZING EXPERIENCE. Avery says, "Thank you for donating things. It made me feel happy to have a birthday party and to make other people happy and help them."