We can all make a difference if we choose to. I learned this lesson from my son, Evan.
Since he was born, on Leap Day in 2000 (2/29/2000), it was clear that he was a super special boy — He was the happiest baby, the kind that would hug first and ask questions later. He could melt down the brittle exterior of even the grumpiest of old men with just a smile. Sweet and Caring with an empathy you just don’t see in most little boys – (Or grown adults for that matter). Often he’s described as an “Old Soul” - if that’s the case, he must have been a Saint in his past life.
Let me explain….
He’s been quite tuned in to the local economy and it declining state, moreover he’s been genuinely concerned with what this means to the people in the middle of it. There has been a huge devastation of resources for local charitable organizations and at the same time a fast growing need. He picked up on this last year through the news and the general state of conversation in our area. He asked how he could help and then decided for his 9th birthday he would ask the attendees of his party to bring donations in lieu of gifts. You heard me right, a 9 year old asked for donations to benefit others knowing this would mean he would be foregoing the typical showering of gifts that kids his age look forward to on their birthday. Through his efforts we collected enough food to fill an entire SUV and about $300 in cash used to purchase gas cards for families in need of help with transportation to and from work and school. After collecting all of this he didn’t just drop it off and move on. He spent time at the food bank checking expiration dates and loading bags of groceries that he would hand out to those who came in need. This boy has received some rather elaborate gifts in his 9 short years, but I don’t think I have ever seen his face light up quite the way it did that day, when he was giving rather than receiving.
His birthday is coming up (or at least ‘birthday time” since he was born on Leap Day — He only gets to celebrate with a clear date every 4 years.) And this Saturday we’ll be throwing a pretty huge bash at the Farmer household; Inviting his entire class, the neighbor kids, family friends and the trail of pals he has made along the years that don’t really fit into any of those categories. Once again he has asked that his friends bring donations, only this year he wants to extend the help by donating to more than one charity.
Instead of gifts, he’s asking for donations to benefit Northville Civic Concern and Earthquake victims in Haiti.
A few weeks ago, after seeing the news coverage of the earthquake victims in Haiti, he immediately told us, “For my birthday party this year, I want to also get donations for the Haiti Earthquake Victims.” Whether or not he would use his birthday to help those in need again was clearly never a question in his mind, he just saw an opportunity to help even more.
So, Evan’s 10th Birthday will benefit two charities. The local food bank and the Haiti Earthquake Victims.
This year, the local food bank will, once again, be the primary focus of his donations. However, as requested this year he wanted to add another charity to the list – The Haiti Earthquake Victims.
Everyone who’s coming to the party will be bringing a donation of Food or cash for the local food bank (the “Northville Civic Concern”) or a monetary donation for “Save the Children” organization, where all donations will be earmarked for Haiti Relief.
So there you have it — A10 year old wants to forgo receiving any fun toys (like his favorite video games, MP3’s, electronic gadgets) and asks, instead, that his friends bring a donation for charity. I could not be more proud!
For our out-of-state friends, we’d like to ask that you consider making a donation in his name. It would really make him feel extra proud of what he’s doing to know that you have helped him in this endeavor. (If you do, please be sure to email me, or make a comment below so he can see all that good that has come of this!)
The link for making a donation to either of these two charities can be found at my equally proud Husband’s Blog -
http://www.toddfarmer.com/family/evan-is-turning-10-and-asks-for-donations-instead-of-gifts
PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A SMALL DONATION IN HIS NAME
Happy Birthday Evan, Keep doing what you do!
Awesome kid. Truly awesome!