As Betty X. Davis prepared to celebrate her 104th birthday on November 24, she knew she wanted to make this milestone celebration a memorable one.
According to Good Morning America , that’s why the Buda, Texas native decided to ditch the usual cake and presents and instead told her family and caregivers that she wanted to throw a children’s book drive, one as monumental as her birthday itself.
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Davis, a former writer, has always been passionate about reading and giving back to her community.
This is the same passion she’s instilled in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“That’s very important I think, to get kids [at an early age] to read a book,” she told GMA . “There’s a lot you can do with books.”
It was that passion that compelled her caregivers at Sodalis Buda Assisted Living & Memory Care to help her throw a massive book drive.
In a Facebook video , Davis appeared alongside one of the center’s carers and asked her community to come out and donate some children’s books, which would then be handed over to a local elementary school.
“How many of you will come through?” the post’s captioned implored.
In just a few days, more than 120 children’s books were donated, well past the initial goal of 104 to match Davis’ age.
When students return to the classroom in January, Davis plans on accompanying her caregivers to the school and showing the children all their exciting new reading material.
Davis just moved into the Sodalis three months ago and had lived independently on her own up until that point.
She had worked with children all her life, not just as a mom but as a public school speech therapist.
When she turned 100, the Austin chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators tried to honor her with an award, but she requested instead that they create the Betty X. Davis Young Writers of Merit Award.
Now, every year, three writers from the area in elementary, middle, and high school are honored for their writing abilities.
Although Davis’ birthday has passed, book donations continue to roll in as more and more people hear of her wish.
“It shows that there is always a need to give back and it doesn’t matter your age — there’s always a way to give back,” Rachel Grover, life engagement director at Sodalis, said. “There is a whole different light that has been lit here because of Betty and her birthday.”
h/t: Good Morning America , KXAN
