In the Brown home, a 13th birthday is something big. To mark the transition from tween to teen, the Brown kids get a choice....party or palooza. The big party is an opportunity for us to gather a crowd of people around them to honor who they have become and cheer them onward. If they opt for palooza (as in "McKennapalooza") they go on a short trip with Dad and Mom, allowing some time to discuss big time Life Things. This usually includes a day at Disneyland as well.
A while back, McKenna was contemplating which route to go, and while she was deciding, asked if she could collect or do something for others for her birthday instead of getting gifts. That's so McKenna.
With her 13th birthday approaching, we decided to put the blue and green cups left over from her science fair project to use. The idea is to collect spare change, and turn it into real hope. The money she collects will all go the after-care program of International Justice Mission, a global organization that works on behalf of those enslaved in human trafficking and forced prostitution. If you have a green or blue cup, simply start filling it with your loose change - quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies. When it's filled up, just send McKenna a note saying, "It's all filled up!" and she'll make arrangements to come get it.
Her goal is to raise $1300 for IJM, but she needs your help. Dig down deep in your pockers, your sofa cushions, and that sticky part of your car's cupholder and find some change. Real change can mean real hope for other young women all over the world.
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