Scotty McCreery turns twenty-one on Thursday (Oct. 9), and while the singer may legally be able to celebrate with a beer, he's using his big birthday to bring awareness to a great cause.

Lots of excited McCreerians have been emailing the 'Feelin It' singer's fan club to find out how they can be a part of his big two-one. But instead of requesting gifts, McCreery's asking his devoted followers to consider making a donation to the 12.14 Foundation, which supports the community and families affected by the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn. in 2013.

"[The fans have] already given me far more than I could ever have imagined by letting me live out my dreams, so I would like to encourage the fans to donate to the 12.14 Foundation," says McCreery. "Together we can support a great organization doing positive things in a town that is still recovering. Let’s help them reach their goal of building a state-of-the art performing arts and education center."

He adds, "That would be the best birthday gift I could receive."

Although McCreery is currently attending North Carolina State University, that's about all that makes the 'Americon Idol' winner your typical 21-year-old college student. The singer reveals he was on a red-eye flight when the clock stroke midnight on his birthday, so there probably wasn't much in the way of celebration.

And in an exclusive interview with Taste of Country, McCreery says he doesn't plan to go crazy now that he's legally allowed to drink -- mostly because he's got some great people keeping him in line.

"For me, it’s all the people that you hang around and the people that are around you," 'The Trouble With Girls' hitmaker insists. "I’ve got a great crew and a great band, and if I started doing that crap, they’d slap me silly and get me straight quick."

As a freshly-minted 21-year-old, McCreery will return to the road to continue his See You Tonight Tour with Danielle Bradbery.

So Cute! See Scotty McCreery's Yearbook Photo

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