As part of an upcoming Bat Mitzvah and 13th birthday celebration on May 16, 2009, Courtney Blake Winston of Gardendale created a mitzvah (act of kindness) project.

In a project called “Books for Boo-Boos,” Winston is collecting new and gently-used children’s books for ages 2-10 to donate to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

The books will go to the hospital’s inpatient activity center and outpatient clinics.

Tax-deductible contribution checks are also welcome and should be made out to Books for Boo-Boos.

Monetary donations will be deposited into an account at Region’s Bank and Winston will use the funds to purchase children’s books to donate.

Book collection containers will be available at the Gardendale Library and at the Temple Emanu-El Library.

Donations should be made before May 2009. Winston is delivering the books to Children’s Hospital on May 18, 2009.

As another good deed, Winston donated 13 inches of her hair to Locks of Love, which uses donated hair to make wigs for cancer patients.