Instead Of Presents, Hillsborough Girl Is Helping A Charity For Her 10th Birthday

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — For her 10th birthday, Avery Fedo of Hillsborough doesn't want gifts. All she just wants is to help her teacher.

"I don't need anything so I had an idea to help my teacher," said Avery. "I felt bad for her so decided to do a fundraiser."

Avery Fedo wrote a letter to the non-profit organization Steps Together, which supports Somerset County families facing a medical crisis. (See the full letter below)

"I am so excited for my birthday this year. For it, I have a special request. My teacher Mrs. Chung's 3-year-old son [Harrison] was diagnosed with leukemia this year. Mrs. Chung is the best teacher so I want to do something in her son's honor. Instead of presents this year, I am asking for donations," wrote Avery.

Erin Chung served as Avery's third and fourth-grade teacher at Hillsborough Elementary School.

"She is the type of teacher that would meet [Avery] for ice cream that is the type of teacher she is. We are supporting her 100 percent. We are rooting for her," said Avery's mom Erika.

Avery approached her parents with the idea to fundraise and they thought it was a great idea.

"Avery knows that kindness cost nothing but means everything. She feels good when she helps others. We jumped on board when she came up with this idea in Harrison’s honor," said Avery's parents Erika and Joe Fedo.

Avery asked Chung what her favorite charity was and she chose Steps Together.

"Ms. Chung was very happy, very touched, and honored," said Erika of Chung finding out about the idea of the fundraiser. "She is an amazing teacher."

Avery will be collecting donations through her birthday on Aug. 31. In September the donations will be given to the Hillsborough-based non-profit.

"I couldn't be prouder. I am just so proud that a 9-year-old, almost 10-year-old, knows about kindness. This world is lacking so much of that. I'm so proud of her," said Erika.

Avery said she is very excited to see how much she can raise.

"There are so many different efforts within our community that allow us to make a difference for families in crisis. When we help a family by paying a bill or providing grocery gift cards with funds that come from efforts like Avery’s, it’s so much more than financial relief. Avery helps us send that contribution with a message of compassion and authentic kindness which is just as important. Seeing her handwritten ask truly warmed the hearts of the entire Steps Together community. No doubt, Mrs. Chung is one incredible teacher and Avery is an awesome kid," said Courtney Newman of Steps Together.

"We remain grateful to the Chung family and all who love them. Their network has provided unwavering support of Steps Together since Harrison’s diagnosis and it has allowed us to help so many. While they are not a financial beneficiary of Steps Together, they have all our love and prayers," continued Newman.

To donate to Avery's cause email Erika Fedo at ETocce@yahoo.com.

For more information on Steps Together visit steps-together.org or facebook.com/StepsTogether.

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