Growing Love, One Drop at a Time: How One Woman Turned Her Birthday into a Gift of Clean Water

When Sara, a graphic designer and mother from Oregon, started thinking about how to celebrate her birthday, she decided to do something different—something meaningful. With a belief that “we are all connected… with the power to affect change by how we live our own life,” Sara turned her birthday into a chance to grow love in the world, one drop at a time.

She discovered One Day’s Wages in a rather modern way. “I was doing some market research and asked ChatGPT what nonprofits are doing good on social media engagement while supporting Indigenous communities in third-world countries—and One Day’s Wages popped up.” Just two days before her birthday, she decided to start a birthday fundraiser and reached out to ODW. 

Sara chose clean water as her focus. It wasn’t a random decision; it came from experience and conviction. “Water is life. Beyond the spiritual aspects, it’s important for good health, and yet so many communities worldwide still struggle to access clean water.” Her background with other nonprofits had already shown her how transformational this basic need could be. “I’ve seen how something as simple as clean water can transform daily survival. It’s something most of us take for granted, but for those without it, every day is a challenge—and dirty water can be fatal.”

Though she describes herself as someone with a small social circle and not active on social media, Sara found that requesting donations from family and friends, simply and authentically, was powerful. “I posted on a family group chat and sent out a couple texts to close friends. Everyone seemed really receptive, saying, ‘this looks cool!’” She shared a few stats—like the World Health Organization’s report that a million people die each year due to waterborne illness—and was “blown away to see most of the donations come in the first couple hours.” That outpouring of generosity reminded her that “one family, my sweet family, could make such a profound difference for those without clean water.”

This wasn’t Sara’s first act of activism. “I try to stand up for the disadvantaged and around issues where there is injustice—medical activism, water rights, and more recently housing rights.” Even in her professional life, she’s been the one speaking up when it mattered most. 

What she learned from leading a fundraiser? “That generosity is really about asking in the right way… Most people want to help, but they need a clear, compelling reason to do so. We made just a drop in the bucket, so to speak, but what a big difference it will make to the life of someone who had no water access.”

To anyone wondering if they have what it takes to make a difference, Sara’s message is clear: “Start where you are, with what you have. If you don’t have money, give of your time and volunteer… Maybe it’s hard to see, but everything we do makes an impact and has the capacity to grow love for our fellow man. And it feels so good to help others. It will be your favorite birthday gift, for sure.”

Take Action: Be the Drop That Starts the Ripple

Sara’s story is a beautiful reminder that generosity doesn’t require a big platform, a giant network, or a massive bank account. It starts with a willingness to act, however small.

Host a birthday fundraiser. Volunteer your skills. Share the story of someone who inspired you. No matter where you are or what you have, you can invest in beautiful change.

Ready to take your next step? Start a birthday fundraiser today. 

Together, we are growing love—and changing lives.