I turn 50 in nine days. Today, I got the card pictured below in the mail. I know other people who, on the verge of hitting the half century mark, also got their invitation to join AARP. I don’t know what database they bought to know that I am about to turn 50 — or my friends, and presumably everyone else they contact days before they become eligible for membership. It’s kind of creepy.

I’m having a big party for my 50th in a bit less than two weeks. While I like presents as much as the next person, I decided to repeat what I did 10 years ago for my Bat Mitzvah and collect books for kids who don’t have a library (or much of one) of their own. This time around, I’m focusing on Treehouse, which benefits Seattle area foster kids. Their “Wearhouse” is a place where foster kids can go a couple times a year for cool clothes. While there are limits on what they can “spend” on clothes, they can take as many books as they want. I’ve asked all attendees to bring new or gently used books for kids aged 2-18 instead of something for me.

Some of my virtual friends have sent books, and some of my virtual writer friends have sent their own work to use as party favors for party goers. I thought about putting them in one of the piñatas I’m going to have, but that seemed like a headache waiting to happen for whoever happens to break it open.

I know you are all far away, and I don’t know all of you. But if you want to participate, I’ve thought of three ways. You can send me books directly; you can send a gift card to a local independent bookstore here in the Northwest from which I will purchase books (or from Amazon if you prefer); or you can take some of your gently used books or new books you buy to your own book charity and think of me afterwards while eating a cupcake.

It seems like a much better way of celebrating 50 years on this earth than signing up for a free travel bag from AARP.