A Wallaceburg girl has taken to heart the phrase, "it is better to give than to receive," for the second year in a row.
Emma-Lynn Wilbur recently celebrated her 10th birthday, but instead of receiving gifts from friends and family, she asked that all of her gifts be purchased and donated to Chatham Goodfellows for the 2018 "No Child Without a Christmas" campaign. Emma-Lynn said she donated a number of board games, dolls and Lego toys.
"It is a wonderful act of kindness and philanthropy, particularly for someone so young. It's just absolutely wonderful," said Chatham Goodfellows Director Tim Mifflin.
The 10-year-old also celebrated her ninth birthday the same way last year, by donating her gifts to the previous campaign.
"I want every kid to feel the way I do and I don't need anything else. So I like to give everything I get to the people who don't have anything," said Emma-Lynn. "I think every kid should have a Christmas."
Emma-Lynn's mother, Kristie Wilbur, said it's an amazing feeling to be the parent of a child who is so generous.
"She is the most loving, compassionate little girl I have ever met. She donates all of her toys, her clothes whenever she can," said Kristie. "I am unbelievably proud of her and her dedication to this."
Toy packing for the "No Child Without a Christmas" campaign will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 10 to December 13, 2017 at 463 St. Clair St. (the former Fabricland building next to Dimitar's). The toys will then be delivered on December 17 after 5:30 p.m.
