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OREM -- For most kids, birthdays are all about the presents. But a trip to an Orem shelter changed that for one special girl.
Seeing so many families in need gave 12-year-old Maya Damron an idea. She chose to see her birthday as an opportunity to help.
Maya's 12th birthday party was a big event.
"I've been waiting for this for such a long time," she said.
The huge crowd of party-goers included family, friends and even her elementary school - which meant a lot of gifts.
I thought for my birthday instead of getting more than I need, I could give to those who don't get stuff.
–Maya Damron
But there's a catch: she didn't take home any of them.
"I thought for my birthday instead of getting more than I need, I could give to those who don't get stuff," Maya said.
Maya donated all her gifts to an organization in Orem that helps abused children. And since wants aren't always needs, she asked her guests to bring household items, clothes, food and other necessities.
"I just thought, well why don't I do this big event for them?," said Maya.
I was very proud of her. Not surprised, because she is a very caring girl, but very proud.
–Julie Damron
The whole community got involved - Classic Skating even stepped in and donated a few hours of rink time. All this, because of a little girl with a big heart.
"I was very proud of her," said Julie Damron, Maya's mother. "Not surprised, because she is a very caring girl, but very proud."
Especially proud considering her husband has been out of work since October and things are tighter than usual in their own home.
"She does like gifts, but it's impressive she was thinking of other people," said Maya's dad, Danny Damron. "When she visited the center it really impressed her about the needs kids have."
Guests of the party said it was one of the best they'd ever attended - and certainly the most memorable.
"We came to support Maya," said Ingrid Sorensen. "She's one of my daughter's best friends and I think it's a super noble cause that she's doing here."
Amber Youngquist also attended the party, and said it would be great if other kids followed Maya's example. "I think it's great," she said. "I don't know why more kids don't do it."
I think it's great. I don't know why more kids don't do it.
–Amber Youngquist
If more kids did do it, it would make Maya's birthday bash even better. In fact, she's hoping to make this kind of party an annual event.
"It just warms my heart to see these kids and these families are going to get these wonderful gifts," she said.
Maya didn't leave her party empty handed. She got plenty of birthday cake and dozens of thank you's for making a difference.
