13-year-old Lily has raised over $7,000 to send girls to school by selling handmade fabric lovebirds.
When 9-year-old Mighty Girl Lily Miller learned it would only take $5 to send a girl in Nepal to school for a month, she was determined to find a way to help. So Lily recruited her younger sister Maizy and her mother Terry to help her make fabric scrap lovebirds to sell and Lily’s Lovebirds was born! Five years later, sales of her lovebirds — which also make lovely holiday gifts — have allowed the now 13 year old to donate over $7,000 to help other girls like her go to school. “Girls that go to school educate their children to go to school which makes the world a better and more peaceful place,” Lily explains. “I hope that one day I will see more girl presidents and great leaders in the world, but it all starts with going to school.”
Lily, who lives in Missoula, Montana, first started making fabric lovebirds in 2012 as part of her second grade class fundraiser for an all-abilities playground project. After the playground was complete, she wanted to find another way to put her lovebirds to good use. In fall 2014, she and her mother read Malala Yousafzai’s memoir I Am Malala. Lily says, "I did not know that some girls could not go to school, learn, play 4 square, write poems, do art and learn about the world." She decided to sell her lovebirds online, with the proceeds going to help support girls’ education efforts through the Conscious Connection Foundation - The Power of Five, the Malala Fund, and local school scholarship programs.
Lily makes as many of the birds as possible out of recycled fabric. She designs the pattern and cuts out the fabric pieces, while she and Maizy work together to stuff the birds. Lily says that her project has also helped her problem solving skills such as what to do with birds that develop a hole when they stuff them. "We did not know what to do with these birds," she explains, "so we decided to fill them with catnip and donate the lovebirds to the homeless cats at our local animal shelter."
Her lovebirds have flown all over the world, including Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Italy, and most states in the US. She's also inspired Maizy, who's now 11, to create her own business, "Brave Bikes." She makes little bicycles out of recycled buttons and donates the funds to a group that buys bikes for girls in Malawi so they can get to school safely.
For her generous efforts, Lily was honored two years ago by the governor of Montana as the youngest ever "Service Montana" Award Winner, and this year she was recognized as one of the Williams Effect Foundation & Forward Montana's 25 under 25 Montana. But, the most exciting part to Lily is the difference she is making: "It makes me feel amazing to help girls have more opportunities in life... opportunities that I get to have every day," she says. "When I get a letter from the girls I have helped it makes me so happy to see pictures of their faces and learn what they are doing across the world. That is why this project is important to me."
To support Lily's project by ordering lovebirds or by donating fabric, visit the Lily's Lovebirds website.
Resources for Fostering Children's Generosity
Beatrice's Goat
Beatrice's Goat
In Beatrice’s Ugandan village, few families have the money to send their children to school — until the day twelve donated goats arrive. Beatrice names her goat Mugisa, which means “lucky gift”, and thanks to Beatrice’s scrupulous care, Mugisa is soon giving enough milk that Beatrice can afford the school uniform she’s been dreaming of. Based on a real story of a family helped by Heifer Project International, and with a portion of proceeds going to support the work of the charity, this book is a celebration of special relationships with animals and a great way to show your children the impact of charitable giving.
Sophie's Lovely Locks
Sophie's Lovely Locks
There are lots of ways to give more than time and money — you can even give when you get a haircut! Sophie loves her long, twirly, fancy hair... until she realizes that her extra-long hair tangles, snarls, and gets in the way of her busy days full of active play. The day she accidentally gets gum in her hair, she decides it's time for a new style — and learns that her hair can provide lovely locks for another child who has none. The final page shows a heartwarming image of an excited child receiving a much-anticipated wig made from Sophie's hair. This charming story includes a list of three different organizations that accept hair donations.
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
The most amazing thing about kindness is how it ripples out beyond the original act! Mary finds a patch of blueberries on her way home, and decides to pick some for Mrs. Bishop. Mrs. Bishop in turn makes blueberry muffins that she gives to five people — one of whom helps five more, and then one of those helps five more... Before long, a variety of kindnesses, some with a small impact and some with a huge one, are creating a change that extends worldwide. It's a lovely testament to how little acts of compassion and kindness have big potential for the entire world.
Boxes for Katje
Boxes for Katje
Katje's Dutch town has been ravaged by World War II, and her family is struggling to get by with almost nothing. Then, one day, a box arrives from America: a little girl named Rosie has sent necessities like soap and socks, and even chocolate for a treat! Katje is so thrilled that she sends a letter of thanks, and soon both girls are sending exchanges full of surprises. What started as an act of generosity becomes an ongoing relationship that changes the lives of both girls — and the people in both their towns — for the better. Candace Fleming based this story on her mother's childhood, and the story of how simple acts of generosity can last a lifetime is sure to get kids thinking about what their own acts of kindness can do.
Start Now! You Can Make a Difference
Start Now! You Can Make a Difference
Activism can sometimes seem overwhelming — but there are problems large and small that kids can tackle every day! In this book, Chelsea Clinton addresses five key concepts — health, hunger, climate change, endangered species, and bullying — and shows kids how to start solving them, either individually, locally, or globally. Each chapter ends with a "Start Now!" bullet list, providing suggestions for young would-be activists to take first steps towards big changes. Kids will particularly love the photographs of real kids, just like them, who have started leading the way for people around them.
Be A Changemaker: How to Start Something That Matters
Be A Changemaker: How to Start Something That Matters
When a teen has an idea for a way to change the world, she may not know what to do to make it a reality. This book will guide her through it, step by step! Individual chapters cover everything from refining your idea to fundraising to creating a business plan, and even discuss what to do when you're ready to move on, whether you're closing down your project or handing it off to another person. Changing the world may not be easy, but with this book, she'll know where to start.
UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World
UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World
Studies show that teens are 40% less empathetic today than they were thirty years ago – a trend that hurts both kids and society as a whole. In fact, self-focused behavior can hurt academic performance, lead to increases in bullying behavior, and reduce kids’ resilience when things go wrong. This thoughtful parenting book explores nine research-based habits to build kids’ empathy. From identifying and controlling their emotions to thinking about "us" not "them", these strategies can be used daily to encourage kids to see the world from the perspectives of other people around them, reducing rudeness and bullying and setting them up for a lifetime of positive relationships.
The Opposite of Spoiled
Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money
The Opposite of Spoiled
Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money
Money conversations can also provide a great opportunity to communicate family values about money and giving. This insightful parenting book shows how families of all income levels can talk with kids about money issues, not only to teach them about financial responsibility, but also to show them how the family's choices allow them to give to their community. Author Ron Lieber explores topics ranging from the Tooth Fairy to birthday parties to college tuition, encouraging parents to foster less materialism and more generosity; his examination of the attitudes we communicate to kids about money will help parents teach that money is a tool, not a goal, and that the reward comes from how you use it.
Smart Piggy Trio Bank
Smart Piggy Trio Bank
This colorful trio bank provides three compartments for saving, spending, and sharing. Each compartment features a thoughtful quote about that money activity — so, for example, the “Share” box reads, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Individual ledgers for each box allow kids to track their deposits and withdrawals and watch their cash flow. Add in the included Kid’s Guide that explains basic money concepts, and there’s enough here to give her a great financial start.
Moonjar Classic Moneybox: Save, Spend, Share
Moonjar Classic Moneybox: Save, Spend, Share
Even little kids can learn basic money skills with the Moonjar Moneybox! Moonjar moneyboxes are divided into three separate compartments: Spend, Save, and Share. Kids can track their deposits and withdrawals with the passbook, and watch their contributions to each category grow. This division is a great way to teach children about the benefits of saving money for a special purpose versus spending it immediately, and also provides an easy way to make charitable giving a part of your child's life. For another divided piggy bank, check out the Smart Piggy Trio Bank for ages 4 and up, which includes three separate ledgers for tracking funds.
