13-year-old turns birthday into a time of giving to others

Mackenzie Dunn holds money in her hand at her birthday party
as part her donation to Operation: Miltiary Matters. 

Thanksgiving, is a day to be thankful and a time for giving. I couldn't think of a more giving story than the one I am about to share.

A few weeks ago, my 12-year-old daughter Graci brought home a handmade invitation to her friend Mackenzie Dunn's 13th birthday party. I was amazed to see inside it said, "instead of gifts this year please bring donations for Operation: Military Matters" and she gave a list of suggested items to donate.  Operation: Military Matters, is my daughter Graci's nonprofit. She sends care packages to the military overseas. When I saw Mackenzie was asking for donations for it, I was very impressed. Most teens aren't thinking about giving to others these days, they are more interested in themselves one reason they are labeled the "me generation."

 Mackenzie's birthday was on Veterans Day this year, so that's why she wanted to do something for the military. In the past Graci has shared with her the impact the care packages make on our military.  

When I picked Graci up from the party, Mackenzie handed me a $200 check and three bagfuls of items to send in the care packages. This generosity and unselfish act really made an impact on me and I am sure others including the kids at the party and her family. To see a young teen give up all her presents is really unheard of. I mean she could have had a new phone, iPad, Apple watch, etc. She was such a cheerful giver too, she even told me the other day she received another twenty dollars and her mom was going to give it to me. She knows that will help pay for shipping for another care package. Mackenzie realizes even at her young age what she is doing is making the lives of our soldiers a little bit brighter with the care packages. She told me she wants to help pack the next round of care packages for the troops. Wow, not only is she donating money to a charity, but also her time!  

As I think about this wonderful story of our youth and how there are young kids doing good deeds in the world, it makes my heart so happy. We have to share these kinds of

stories. I know there are more stories like this. We need to report more good news instead of all the bad things kids are doing. My hope is when kids see others being recognized for doing good deeds, maybe they will do something good.

I believe, as parents we need to be the ones to set an example of giving. We need to give to others and teach our children this and tell them it feels great to give. Maybe we can all learn a little something from 13-year-old Mackenzie and her giving heart. As we approach the holidays over the next few months, think about giving to others.

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!