There is nothing like a good story about giving and selflessness to warm your heart, especially at the start of the holidays, and this extraordinary story is no exception. A young student at Erie High School made a large amount of donations in a fun way.

Young Josie Reid had her birthday party coming up – and she was undoubtedly excited about the presents that she would be receiving. However, she decided to do something else: she asked the people coming to her party to bring donations for the military drive instead of presents for her. This selfless act was inspired by her mom.

Reid  was walking through the halls during lunchtime talking to her friend when she saw a poster displaying the drive, and she thought it was a great idea to serve some of the bravest and best people in the country. She texted a picture of it to her mom, asking how they could help. Reid’s  mom provided the idea of having the guests at her birthday party bring donations instead of presents, and she thought it was a great idea. She wrapped the presents that were brought to her, and before she donated them, she got even more stuff from the Dollar Tree to give to the military drive. Reid  said it was so much fun to walk through the rows of the store and throw everything in sight into the basket.

When Reid  grows up, she wants to be in the military. She thought that it would be pretty amazing to get a gift basket while being away from your home and family, so she wanted to make sure that the people serving our country felt happy during the holidays. Reid  realizes just how much these amazing people help America’s citizens, saying , “I have the utmost respect for those who serve. I thought that I should do my best to support the most amazing people in America.”

If you are looking for a way to serve your community but you are  worried about being inexperienced or too young, Reid  has some interesting yet inspiring advice for you: “If you really care, then get off of your butt and do something worth your while.”