Inspirational Mom :: Meredith Alexander of Milk + Bookies

Recently, I came across an organization that provides books to families in need. As a children’s author and mom to an early reader, I know the importance of providing books and encouraging a love of reading to kids. We are fortunate to have access to many books and always consider it a treat to visit our local independent bookstore. But many families are not in a situation to do this. Meredith Alexander has created a wonderful organization called Milk + Bookies that encourages families to come together for a Milk+Bookies event, have some milk and cookies and buy books that are then donated to families in need. One of the things I really like about this organization is that it teaches children about giving to others. I try to teach this to my daughter on a continual basis and we talk about how it is important to help others. Milk+Bookies tag line is READ! GIVE! GROW! Isn’t that what we inspire for with our kids! I love what Meredith has created and hope to support them in some way this next year! Here is what Meredith has to say about where the idea came from and how others might be able to help.

TELL US HOW THE IDEA TO CREATE MILK + BOOKIES CAME ABOUT?

When I had my first son, I felt like our weekends were all about other people’s birthdays or errands, or soccer. I was eager to spend our precious family time in a meaningful way. I always wished there were community service-centric events where we could just jump in and participate. I decided to create exactly what I wanted at a local children’s bookstore, inviting families to come for milk & cookies and buy books to donate to local families in need. We had story time and crafts and it was a huge hit! Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t the only parent looking for this kind of activity.

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MORE REWARDING ASPECTS OF CREATING YOUR ORGANIZATION?

As Milk + Bookies has grown and the program has streamlined for parents, teachers, scout troop leaders and teens that do the “hosting”, I am regularly impressed and amazed at the depth at which small children understand the giving process and how great it makes them feel. This is a huge part of our organization’s mission – getting small children exposed to (and hooked on) how great giving makes them feel.

AS A MOM, HOW DO YOU BALANCE HOME LIFE WITH WORK LIFE? ANY TIPS YOU HAVE FOUND TO BE HELPFUL TO MAINTAIN (OR ASPIRE TO) THIS BALANCE?

Ummm……. Don’t I wish I had a great answer for this one!

My husband is a major team player, we have a very even division of labor. I am lucky in that I spend my work time at my office during my sons’ school hours. At 3:00, I am able to pick them up and resume work from my home computer and start dinner while they do their homework. Not all moms are this lucky. I deeply appreciate the flexibility I have. BUT, that said, it leaves little time for the grocery shopping, trips to Target or exercise. I only have a 45 minute window in the morning for anything else. One week, I had to decide between working out or going to the market. We went without eggs for a while 😉

Donated books going to families in need.

ANY NEWS YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH OUR LOVELY DANDELION MOMS?

This year we have doubled our programming from last year (which had double from the previous year). In the last 12 months, there have been 245 Milk + Bookies “book-raisers” across the country and I am over the moon with the response! It’s so exciting that SO many people “get it” and appreciate that Milk + Bookies has created a VERY simple framework for a family/ school or a club service learning opportunity.

Thank you Meredith for creating Milk+Bookies and providing a way for people to help others and encourage a love of reading!

To learn how you can help and maybe even host a “book-raiser” event go here: https://www.milkandbookies.org/ (And check out their adorable video).