When Armani Crews turned 6 this March 5th, she made the news for NOT throwing a birthday party for her friends.
Armani had been pestering her parents for the last few months, insisting she wanted to feed the homeless in her community on her special day. Even when her father informed her that it would mean she would not get a birthday gift, the kindergartner was okay with it.
Her parents finally relented, buying a wide array of food (from chicken and fish to corn, mashed potatoes, rolls, cakes, fruit and water) meant for the homeless. When the members of the family's local church heard about it, they too decided to pitch in, creating care packages for the homeless.
Each care package included a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer and a snack, such as a granola bar.
More than 125 homeless people attended Armani's birthday party in the end, grateful to have not just a hot meal but the knowledge that they were remembered.
Even as Chicago and the world smiles at her wonderful gesture, the little 6 year old is already busy again though. She's planning her next community meal for the homeless within the next couple of weeks.
Armani Crew's story can be read here.
Authors note:
This post is part of the 'We Are The World Blogfest' (you can read about it here). Aimed at flooding social media with peace and love, bloggers from around the world will look to share stories of love and humanity on the last Friday of every month to help bring a smile on your face and give you hope too.
You can read more feel-good posts (and also add your own, if you want to share the joy with #WATWB) in the linky here.
Armani had been pestering her parents for the last few months, insisting she wanted to feed the homeless in her community on her special day. Even when her father informed her that it would mean she would not get a birthday gift, the kindergartner was okay with it.
Her parents finally relented, buying a wide array of food (from chicken and fish to corn, mashed potatoes, rolls, cakes, fruit and water) meant for the homeless. When the members of the family's local church heard about it, they too decided to pitch in, creating care packages for the homeless.
Each care package included a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer and a snack, such as a granola bar.
Winner of the best
blogpost of the week
More than 125 homeless people attended Armani's birthday party in the end, grateful to have not just a hot meal but the knowledge that they were remembered.
Even as Chicago and the world smiles at her wonderful gesture, the little 6 year old is already busy again though. She's planning her next community meal for the homeless within the next couple of weeks.
Armani Crew's story can be read here.
Authors note:
This post is part of the 'We Are The World Blogfest' (you can read about it here). Aimed at flooding social media with peace and love, bloggers from around the world will look to share stories of love and humanity on the last Friday of every month to help bring a smile on your face and give you hope too.
The co-hosts for this month are: Belinda Witzenhausen, Lynn Hallbrooks, Simon Falk, Sylvia McGrath, and Damyanti Biswas.
What a precious little girl! We can always make a difference-- we just need the will to go out and do it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story, Roshan,and for being part of the #WATWB initiative!
ReplyDeleteThanks Damyanti. And yes, of all the stories I've been saving up, this was the youngest hero I found.
DeleteWhat a kind soul! Imagine having so much compassion at such a young age. Most kids her age would be making a list of what they want for themselves on their birthdays. She's an angel!
ReplyDeleteMost adults three - five times her age would not consider doing something like this. And she is the one insisting, not her parents. That's what struck me as amazing.
DeleteWhat a beautiful story! This child has such grace at such a young age! Thanks for sharing! :) #WATWB
ReplyDeleteBelinda Witzenhausen~Writer & Artist
I agree... for one so young, tremendous grace.
DeleteThis is sucha a heartwarming story.Children when taught values turn around and teach us things,we tend to forget.Loved the story of the little angel.
ReplyDeletetotally agree Amrita. This is a child brought up well.
DeleteWe learn from the young many times - imagine, if we said no thanks to birthday gifts, rather the giver to give in kind to a charity of their choice. Or feed a homeless person/people .. thanks Roshan -
ReplyDeleteI wonder if in the days to come, more people will be inspired to follow her example. Atleast the adults if not the children.
DeleteWow, I'm in awe of this young lady. Thank you so much for sharing about her, Dr. R. I hope others will be inspired by her. #WATWB
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope others are inspired by her too.
DeleteAmazing... At an age when kids are busy playing with their own things, here is a child who thinks about others. She is an inspiration for each on of us.
ReplyDeleteKindergarten. That shocked me. I mean, how evolved do you have to be to be able to think so selflessly at such a small age.
Deletewhat a beautiful soul!!! Thank you for sharing this story. I truly believe that this is the best way to celebrate a birthday - in helping others.
ReplyDeleteAtleast some small deed for others on one's birthday would also suffice, at the very least.
DeleteAMazing that a little girl would forgo a birthday for something so noble....Good to know that kindness still exists
ReplyDeleteYes. That's the plan for the coming month. To showcase how good people can be.
DeleteShe is going to become another Mother Teresa. The world needs more people like her. Thank you for sharing the story, Roshan.
ReplyDeleteTouchwood, Preethi.
DeleteThat young lady is going to change the world. So giving for someone her age.
ReplyDeleteI agree. That is why I really wanted to showcase her :)
DeleteSweet story. We have groups who regularly work the soup kitchen in our area, including youth who volunteer. Great blogfest. Mary at Play off the Page
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear that. I keep thinking of how we've heard of 'soup kitchens' for so many decades now in USA. But I can't think of a similar concept across India even today. And that's sad.
DeleteSuch a beautiful little light and inspiration to us all.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I sincerely hope she inspires similar stories elsewhere.
DeleteAdults can learn from this 6-year-old humanitarian...what a selfless nature at such a tender age. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this story.
Adults NEED to learn from this child. No doubt about that.
DeleteOnly a few with this giving attitude and that too at this age. Appreciate her Parents to support her idea.
ReplyDeleteExactly... we need more kids like this.
DeleteThat is one strong and motivated child! She makes us all proud. More power to her and spreading light and love.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Team #WATWB
*Inderpreet/EloquentArticulation*
True. Looking forward to hearing more good things about her as the years go by.
DeleteBless her little heart. I am sure she will make a difference to the world as she grows. What an inspiration to grown ups. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete..these little angels are such inspirations...
ReplyDeletewe need more and more people like that .. often in schools in US its taught donate a book (USED)to school library on your Birthday (no candies or cakes allowed)so that kids get into habit of GIVING and caring for others.. they usually put on Christmas tree in school (new)hats , gloves , socks ..donated by kids..decorated by kids in school to get in to habit of GIVING since its festive season. .. charity begins from home its a perfect and shining example of this kid.
Thanks for this story of a truly kind young girl, Roshan. She may not have received a present, but she was part of a real moment of giving. Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB
ReplyDelete