Happy Birthday to me....almost!

A few months ago a friend of mine decided to put together 40 humanitarian infant kits to celebrate her 40th birthday. I liked the idea so much that I decided to copy her (sort of). I say sort of because...well, 1)I'm not 40, and 2) I have decided to put together hygiene kits instead.

A few years ago I heard this story of a young girl named Mariama Kallon who recieved a hygiene kit that saved her and several other women. Please take the time to read her story it is truely touching. The first time I heard it it brought me to tears.

Well last weekend, I attended Time Out for Women in SLC and Mariama was there to tell her story. I felt such a bond with her because I had heard her story a few years back and we also served in the same mission for the LDS church (although not at the same time). She still carries around her little hygiene kit as a reminder to her of how blessed she was to recieve it in her time of need.

So anyhow...to celebrate my 35th Birthday, I am going to put together 35 Humanitarian Hygiene Kits, these kits are handed out to those in need throughout the world.
So instead of gifts this year, I am asking for my friends and family to donate some of the supplies that I will need to put these together.

What I will need is:

35- 1 gallon zip lock bags
70- Unbreakable combs (no sharp handles)
140- Toothbrushes (packaged)
35- Tubes of Toothpaste (6-8 oz.)
70- Bars of soap (4-5 oz.)
70- Hand towels (new towels, approximately 15'' by 25''. Please do not use dishtowels or washclothes)

So if you were planning on getting me a present (or even if you were not and you want to support a good cause), that was my list.

I decided Thanksgiving Day would be a great day to type up this blog post. As I sit and reflect on all the things I have to be thankful for...I am so incredibly blessed. I hope that in some small way I (with your help) can help others like Mariama.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and Happy early Birthday to me.