This Saturday, September 15th, is my 18th birthday- and this year, I don't want any presents. I have realized that there is nothing that I really need- so instead, I want to give something to someone who actually NEEDS it!

Nearly 800 million people around the world live without access to clean water and more people die from lack of clean water and sanitation each year than are killed by all forms of violence, including war. I'd say that these people NEED clean water.

So instead of presents this year, I'm asking for $18 from everyone I know -- and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we'll be able to see the communities we've helped!

My goal is to raise $1,000 during the month of September to give people the clean water that they NEED!

Please join me to make this birthday count.

Love, Mia