Submitted by philip on
By Hannah Boggs, Message Staff Writer
PINEVILLE – Some young children may have trouble understanding the concept of donating money to a worthy cause but not twins Chloe and Sidney Burlew.
For their seventh birthday instead of bringing birthday gifts to their party, the twins asked people to bring donations for the Main Street Mission. Because of their unselfish act, the two little girls were able to gather more than $640 dollars and donate it to the mission.
“We saw a movie about a little girl who for her birthday asked everybody to bring kids’ shoes instead of toys,” the sisters said when asked where they got the idea to raise money for those who are in need. “So, one day when we went to the Mission to drop off some donations, we came up with the idea. Instead of asking for shoes, we would ask for money.”
The girls knew about Main Street Mission from their grandmother, who regularly volunteers there.
“There are people without houses, clothes or shoes and Main Street Mission does so much to help those people,” said the girls.
One day after they had cleaned out their room, they brought some toys and clothes to the Mission. They ended up staying. They hung up clothes and organized the toys the Mission hands out.
“People usually spend money on toys for gifts for their birthdays and then a week later, they are all broken and it just seems like such a waste,” said Amanda Burlew, mother of Chloe and Sidney.
“The girls were taught the way to share the love of God is by loving others and so they thought it would be a good idea to give back,” Amanda Burlew continued. “My kids aren’t perfect, they make mistakes, but we are raising our kids to love Christ and we are also teaching them to learn how to share.”
When the girls went to the Mission to give the money they had raised, they were told the money would be used to help fix the roof.
“They knew what they had done wasn’t a small deal,” said Amanda Burlew. “The girls were so happy they had tears in their eyes.”
Burlew encourages more parents to get involved in giving to the Mission. She said to think outside the box for ways they can donate and especially get their kids involved and experience charitable giving firsthand.
“As children grow, so do their opportunities for making a difference,” Amanda Burlew said. “Teach them that God can use them not matter their age.”
For two generous little girls their act of kindness made their birthday a very special and meaningful one.