OLGC Student's Birthday Wish: Give to Those in Need

Ally Haas knows it’s better to give than to receive. She learned that lesson at , where she currently attends 4th grade.

Last year, Ally decided instead of having a birthday party, she would gather friends and family together to draw attention to the plight of families in need. She asked everyone to donate to a local charity instead of giving her presents. Her party was a lot of fun, and meaningful at the same time.

“She planned to use the donations to help a local child—one battling a serious illness—have a fun day because he or she needed it more than Ally did,” said her mother, Tamara. “Her wish started small, but as we explored ways to make her wish come true, it became bigger than Ally ever dreamed possible.”

The result was a donation of $6,000 to Wish Upon A Hero, an online social network website based in Voorhees that . Ally was able to help several children who were seriously ill last year.

“One of the kids wanted to go on vacation, so they went away for a week at the Jersey Shore,” said Wish Upon A Hero founder Dave Girgenti, who started the foundation in 2007. Other sick children received toys and gifts from Ally.

This year, Ally’s upping the ante with a big birthday bash at the Aloft Hotel in Mount Laurel from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 19.

“I just hope we can give more than we did last year,” said Ally, who lives in Hainesport.

There is a strong need for charitable assistance right now in South Jersey.

“Since 2008 there’s been a pretty strong need for food and clothes, basic needs,” Girgenti said. “You can really see it on the site.”

Visit Wish Upon A Hero’s website to read posts by families who are hoping for help. There are hundreds of posts from those who have lost their jobs, need specialized medications, groceries, or help with the costs of education.

Ally said she wants to help kids her own age who are from South Jersey.

Her efforts have had an impact on her school, where the 7th and 8th grade students are required to log service hours in their community. Those students will help decorate Aloft for the event, while others will attend the event and contribute donations.

“Our community has always been a very generous, giving group,” said OLGC marketing director Michelle Molz. “Charity is part of our daily instruction. But it’s incredible that a 10-year-old has sacrificed her own toys and gifts to pay it forward to others her own age who are less fortunate. I am really impressed.”

For more information about Ally’s Birthday Wish, email tamara.haas@live.com.

- Courtesy of Our Lady of Good Counsel School