I'm turning 23 years old, and instead of gifts, I'm asking for $5 or more from everyone I know. It's not going to me, though. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations.

Millions around the globe contract deadly diseases from contaminated water. Those who survive walk hours each day to get dirty water to give to their families.

My birthday wish this year is to give clean and safe drinking water to some of the billion living without it.

please note: Because of charity: water's unique model, 100% of all donations go directly to direct water projects costs, and each donation is "proved" and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete.

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Updates--

9.28.10
This month has been the most amazing one of my young life (sidenote: at the beginning of this campaign, I thought 23 was really old). 120 people have been served because of the generosity of friends, family, and perfect strangers. It's been exciting, emotional, and I've been roundly ecstatic over and over again. THANK YOU.

9.24.10
I'm 23! We broke $2000 about 10 minutes before midnight last night. We've now served over 100 people. Amazing. This campaign has been astounding, and I can't thank all of you enough. You guys prove it: this September, birthdays can indeed change the world.

9.23.10
I can't believe it's my birthday tomorrow. Much like I can't believe we're at $1800 already (I think some kind of shock is setting in). Thank you so so so much everyone - you guys are beyond wonderful.

9.22.10
iii. As you say Bossy Anonymous - up it goes to $2000.

ii. This is so much fun. Best birthday ever. Upping it to $1500. You anonymous people make me wanna cry (in a good way). Thank you so much. Jazakallah khair! May God bless you all.

i. I am speechless. We made it! $1000.

9.21.10
I started this campaign with hopes that maybe I'd reach $250. Three days before my birthday now, and I'm aiming for $1,000. This is definitely how birthdays are meant to be celebrated.

9.20.10
Just broke $700. You guys are amazing. And getting a donation from a "Nutella Tiger" just made my day.

9.17.10
I'm definitely celebrating this last week of being 22. You all just helped me raise $650! My $600 goal is met, dare I raise it once more?

P.S. Nicknames: Ominous Anonymous, Noble Anonymous, Stealth Anonymous, OCPD Anonymous.

9.6.10
Best birthday ever. My $350 goal reached and surpassed with an anonymous $230 donation. I just "oh my gosh-ed" for about 5 minutes straight. Whoever you are, thank you thank you thank you.

9.4.10
I met my original $250 goal. This is unbelievable.