When Good Shepherd Episcopal School pre-kindergarten students Margaret Williams and Austin Bagnall turned five years old on Sunday, there were balloons, lots of kids and plenty of cake - just like any normal birthday party.

But when it came time to open presents, there were no Barbie dolls or race cars hidden beneath the neatly wrapped paper.

As Margaret and Austin tore through each gift, a mountain of books grew to their sides - a mountain of books that would be donated to Good Shepherd Episcopal School’s library.

Rather than having a traditional birthday party, Stacey Williams and Kelly Bagnall, mothers of the children, decided to give the party a twist. Instead of regular gifts for the children, guests would bring a book to donate to the school’s library.

“We both felt our children were already blessed with so much,” Mrs. Bagnall said. “So the thought of the books came as a way to detour ‘more stuff’ and instead, give back to other children in a positive, educational way.”

“When children learn the gift of giving early in life, they also learn the joy it brings to their hearts. This is a step in the right direction,” Mrs. Williams added.

Nearly every student who attended donated a book to the library, giving students 34 new books to choose from.

“Initially we had no idea how everyone would respond but we are thrilled so many opted to bring a book to donate to the library,” Mrs. Bagnall said.

Each book donated will have a nameplate with the child’s name that donated the book.

“This is both Austin’s and Margaret’s first time doing this type of ‘good deed’ so it will definitely be a learning experience,” Mrs. Williams said. “Along with this have been conversations about giving to those who need it, being thankful for all we have. Margaret and Austin will surely feel proud when they walk the books to the library and give them to their librarian, Bonnie Sisk.”

And Bonnie Sisk, Good Shepherd Episcopal School librarian, felt proud as the students delivered the books to her door.

“I am always excited when I receive new, wonderful books,” Sisk said. “I felt extremely humbled and appreciative of this kind, generous gesture. The smiles on the faces of the birthday children were priceless.”

Students donated age-appropriate books consisting of large illustrated story books or non-fiction animal books.

“Since these are all PreK children, we felt they would be able to enjoy the books for many years to come,” Mrs. Williams said.

While neither Margaret nor Austin can read quite yet, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Bagnall said the children love books. Austin favors pirates, sharks and construction, while Margaret seems to love them all.

“To give is much more important than to receive,” Sisk said, stressing her appreciation for the generous act. “The children are learning, at an early age, that thinking about others is more important than thinking about themselves. And receiving these titles made me feel happy because new books were available to our children.”