Who would imagine that grocery trips to Whole Foods would spark a desire to give more than time to others?
“Jade (my daughter) was really little at the time and wherever we go we make friends immediately. So at Whole Foods we always saw this guy named Billy at the food bar, but during one visit we asked where he was and was told he has terminal cancer,” Holly Britt said.
She discovered the family needed financial help in a big way.
“At that point, I never felt more helpless – that’s how it all started,” Britt said.
Despite being a single mom, actress and author, Britt said she has always made time help others.
“I am so glad I was born in the Britt family because our brains are wired in a positive way,“ Britt said. “Words have power and ‘I can’t’ is not in my vocabulary.”
Not having the means to write that check was simply a speed bump. Britt began brainstorming and praying for a product where she could earn the money to give it away.
Listening to the radio in the car a random children’s commercial came through. Though half listening, she said, “It was like an audible voice that said to me, ‘You’re going to do that – write a children’s book.’
“I had no prior experience, and no interest in children’s books, other than the ones I read to my child,” Britt said. “… and God I’m really busy.”
Almost simultaneously, all the doors opened and everything came with a “yes.”
Her focus group consisted of her friend’s children who were between 2 to 8 years old. She found that if one thing was consistent, it was that nothing was consistent.
Within four months, her book The Incredible Little Happy was born. Britt says the book is about a Bassett hound pup that visits a zoo and meets different animals sharing affirmations. The book’s goal is nuture and raise self-esteem in preschoolers.
As young ones start to site read or start memorizing, the words become ingrained, she said.
“When you say, for example, ‘I am special or I am wanted’ it sorta gets into your psyche,” Britt said.
Through Serv, over 12,000 meals have been donated because of the book.
Reading to a child provides an opportunity to bond, and it helps cognitive development and language skills essential for success in the world.
“Words have value and meaning,” Britt said. “Children need to believe they are so many things positive. Positive words, lead to positive feelings, which can lead to positive actions. It’s a lot easier and a happier life when you feel valued.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HJiFSCAmHY
https://www.servone.org/serv-international
Each Sunday we write about a deserving person or charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To submit a story for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com
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