Hearts of Grace women's minstry launches Books for Birthdays

Hearts of Grace, the women's network of Outreach Community Ministries, has launched Books for Birthdays at Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream to provide every child in the center's elementary school program with a new book, personalized birthday card, birthday bag and treats on his or her birthday.

Toddlers at Jubilee Village, Outreach's transitional housing for single, formerly homeless young mothers and their children, also will receive birthday gifts. In the first year of the program, every child also will receive a storybook Bible.

Bonnie Malcolm Chrisman, Outreach Community Ministries vice president of resource development, said Books for Birthdays fulfills the Hearts of Grace mission of carrying out acts of service for the women and children nurtured through Outreach programs financially supported by Hearts of Grace.

"Studies show that a family's socioeconomic status is linked to access to books and reading proficiency," Chrisman said. "Without books at home, students cannot practice reading and lag behind their peers. Books for Birthdays directly addresses this need and reminds each child of their worth in God's Kingdom."

At the January event that launched the program, six students selected a new, age-appropriate book from a birthday cart donated by Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties. They also received personalized gifts and surprises in their birthday bags, items such as silly string, fuzzy mittens and bubble gum.

"Seeing the smile on the kids' faces as they picked out their new book was priceless," said Barb Wisdom, Hearts of Grace Action board member. "You could feel the energy in the room from the anticipation and excitement of the kids."