Giving Instead of Getting On Her Birthday

Photo Courtesy of John Armato

With Jenna Shea, center are teachers Laurie Gresko and Cindy Bartolucci.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by information afficionado John Armato.

While most eight year-old girls could make a lengthy list of the birthday presents they would like to receive including video games, toys, and clothes, Jenna Shea had a different request and the students at Rupert Elementary School are thankful. 

Instead of the traditional birthday presents, she asked her family and friends for school supplies which she wanted to donated to the students at Rupert Elementary School. 

Jenna’s family is no stranger to Rupert. Her mother Tanya was a student teacher at Rupert and is now a substitute teacher in the district.

At her birthday party in August, Jenna decorated a box with her favorite “Hello Kitty” paper wrapping and made a sign for donations on the box. 

In the invitation to her party, she requested school supplies in place of gifts. 

Family members, friends, neighbors, and even strangers helped to provide three large tubs of school supplies which were donated to Laurie Gresko’s and Cindy Bartolucci’s classes.

“What a wonderful gesture from a young person to help our students by giving up the types of birthday presents that most eight year-olds would enjoy," said Principal Matt Moyer. 

"It is truly a sign of her maturity and caring well beyond her age.”

Jenna personally presented the school supplies to the Rupert students. 

 When asked why she would give up her gifts to help others, she said, “It makes me feel good inside to know that I have been able to help other kids.”