Reeves Third Grader Plans a Special Birthday Donation

WOBURN, MA — When Reeves Elementary School third grader Alexandra Cullen's ninth birthday began to draw closer this year, she decided to do something that many third graders would not normally think of.

In honor of her ninth birthday, which is Wednesday, Oct. 12, Alexandra decided that she wanted to give back to the community. She decided to couple that desire with her love for animals, and set up a donation box outside of her classroom to collect items for the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.

"It's my birthday tomorrow, and I just wanted to give back to the community because I love animals," Alexandra told Patch.

Students can donate pet food, toys, medical supplies, kennel supplies, office supplies and gift cards. Alexandra, a student in teacher Sarah Maggio's third grade class, said that there are currently around seven to ten items in the donation box, but Reeves Principal Bobbi Finocchio told Patch that the school plans to rally behind Alexandra's efforts including alerting students in the morning announcements.

"Students are rallying behind Alexandra," Finocchio told Patch."A lot of kids love animals, and it is definitely a cause that kids can relate to."

The donation box will remain outside of Maggio's classroom until the end of the school day Friday, and then will be to the Salem shelter. Alexandra, who will be celebrating with a birthday party Saturday, said that her classmates thought that this was a cool idea.

"They liked [the idea of the donation] and are still doing [donating]," Alexandra added."More and more kids are bringing things."

Finocchio also expressed her proud feelings of Alexandra's efforts and her preparation.

"I was really excited," Finnocchio mentioned about her feelings upon learning of Alexandra's pursuit."I am always pleased to hear about student ideas, particularly ideas to give back to the community. I am impressed by her initiative, and she was very prepared with a letter and a list of items."

If you are the parent of a Reeves Elementary School student, you can send them to school with one of the items listed here for donation.

Image via Alyssa Cullen