9-year old girl amazes town with surprisingly selfless act during Christmastime

One selfless 9-year-old asked for toys to be donated in place of birthday presents.

Nine-year-old Sivana Athanas, from Weymouth, Massachusetts, did something amazing in celebration of both Christmas and her birthday this year.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Unlike most third graders, Sivana specifically asked for gifts that could be donated to the charity Toys for Tots, which strives "to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens."

The objectives of the program are to "help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nations most valuable resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future."

After understanding what Toys for Tots did for children across the nation, young Sivana knew she had to take part.

When her ninth birthday came around, she donated each gift she received to the Weymouth Police Department, which was accepting toys on behalf of Toys for Tots.

On their Facebook page, the Weymouth Police Department wrote: "Last night 9 year old Sivana, who is a third grater at Wessagussett School, came to the station and dropped off a whole bunch of toys for the Toys for Tots program. The remarkable thing about this story is that the toys that Sivana donated to Toys for Tots were gifts that she had just received for her birthday!

"What a wonderful gesture. Happy Birthday Sivana and Merry Christmas from all of us at the Weymouth Police!"

Marissa Leavitt, Sivana's mother, told The Patriot Ledger, "We've  always talked to her about making sure she's thinking about other people and not just herself. I'm very proud of her."

Detective Timothy Browning said, "It was such a selfless act by her. She's such an amazing little girl to do that."

On Thursday, the Weymouth Police Department thanked Sivana by presenting her with a certificate signed by police Chief Richard Grimes, police patches and stickers and a $100 VISA gift card at the Wessagusset elementary school.

If you are interested in donating to help children receive Bibles, food, gifts and more, please consider a tax-deducible donation at YCVF.

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