Local child gives up birthday to help homeless
MARQUETTE — For most kids, turning ten is a big deal and with it comes plenty of presents. But one local boy decided he didn’t need anything for his birthday and instead decided to give back to those who are in need.
The boy, who wishes to remain anonymous, asked his friends to bring donations to Room at the Inn in lieu of birthday presents this year. Room at the Inn is a local emergency homeless shelter located in Marquette and is always in need of food as they serve 2,000 meals a month.
Executive Director Douglas Russell says though they get donations daily, this one was extra special.
“It was the first time where we had a person who said, ‘You know what, this is normally a time or a place where I would be getting gifts,’ but he decided ‘No, I don’t need to do that, I could do something better that that,” said Russell. “To have a young person take that kind of initiative and say this is more important and maybe in some way inspire other young people to look at the fact maybe ‘I could do that too.”
Russell said the other staff members and guests are grateful for the initiative and humility local children have shown.