Jul 1, 2009 4:00 pm US/Eastern
Brotherly Love: Giving Up Birthday Gifts
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
There are lots of things we can learn from children. A young girl in New Jersey already understands the importance of helping others -- on her birthday, she gives presents instead of receiving them.
She's an adorable 11-year-old girl with a lot of compassion. For the last four years, Kshama Parkeh doesn't get, but gives gifts for her birthday.
"It's been a lot of fun," said Kshama.
And not just any present. These gifts really help those in need.
This year on her birthday, Kshama took her friends to a beauty salon and asked each of them to bring gift cards and toiletries for the Ronald McDonald House.
Directors at the McDonald House of Southern New Jersey sent her letters that say thank you.
"They're really proud of me, and they're really grateful that I'm doing such a thing, because without me, some of the things they now have they wouldn't have," said Kshama.
Her parents are proud, too. Her mother, Anjali Parkeh, says Kshama has always had a kind heart.
"When you hear that from people outside, it makes you feel very good. Makes us feel blessed to have her as a child," said Anjali. "She's a great kid."
That's what the director of the Ronald McDonald House says -- Kshama is truly an angel.
Teddy Thomas of the Ronald McDonald House said, "Most parents can hardly imagine that a child only 11-years-old would be willing to give up things to help them."
Parents like Kayla Fitzgerald. She and her daughter have been at the Ronald McDonald house since November 12. She says, Kshama's gifts mean so much from someone so young.
"I was just amazed that a kid could do that for their birthday, to sacrifice their own gifts for somebody else," said Kayla. "It was really, really a blessing."
"It made me feel really good, because I made a difference," said Kshama. "It was a small difference, but I made a difference."
In addition to the gift cards, Kshama raised $500 for the MS Walk, $100 coming from her own pocket. She has also encouraged her friends to give gifts for their birthdays, and a couple of friends are now doing the same thing.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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