Kenzie and Alexis Uyesugi hosted “Donation Parties” to celebrate their birthdays this year.
Shelley Uyesugi describes herself as very blessed. She has three daughters and a husband serving our country as a member of the US Navy. She has a house to live in and two wonderful rescue dogs as pets. She shuttles her daughters from school to dance classes to girl scouts. Two years ago, while watching a news program about the number of homeless Veterans in San Diego, Shelley was inspired to make a positive difference.
Shelley had attended many social luncheons and coffees in the past. She chose to put a creative and philanthropic twist on the social luncheon genre and hosted a gathering she called “Spring Clean”. Attendees were asked to bring items from home that could be donated to homeless Veterans. Things like gently used clothing, toiletries and blankets could make a huge difference in the lives of others. Most people not only brought one item, but many. Shelley believes that little things do make a difference and this lesson can be learned at a young age. How would the world be different if we all took the time to do one kind deed for someone else every day, 365 days a year?
With such giving parents, it’s no surprise that Shelley and Ken’s daughters, Alexis (7) and Kenzie (5) are leading by example. After examining their closets and noticing all the toys, some even unopened, the girls decided to have a different kind of birthday party. Kenzie says, “I wanted to give toys to kids who don’t have them.” She celebrated her fifth birthday with friends, but in place of collecting presents for herself, she requested gifts to donate to the Armed Services YMCA. She amassed over 20 toys that she personally delivered in time for Christmas distribution to those less fortunate.
Alexis and Kenzie donate over 100 pounds of pet supplies to the San Diego Humane Society
Alexis, after reading the book “Nubs” about a dog in Iraq who was adopted by a US Marine, said “It made me think that animals need help so I decided to have a donation birthday party.” Alexis requested, in lieu of gifts for herself, that items for dogs and cats be donated. She delivered over 100 pounds of pet food and a variety of supplies and toys to the San Diego Humane Society.
Alexis and Kenzie are both involved with Girl Scouts and are also members of a new service club in Coronado called “Compassion Kids”. With Compassion Kids, they visit a retirement home each month to celebrate the birthdays of the residents and recently visited the Wounded Warriors at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Future projects include working at a local soup kitchen and collaborating with the Fisher House to donate needed items for the residents. Both girls said they loved their donation birthday parties and will do it again in the future.
Alexis receives an award from the Humane Society for her contribution.
Shelley and Ken are very proud of their daughters and feel that the girls are learning such strong character not only at home, but at church and school as well. As students at Silver Strand Elementary, Alexis and Kenzie are reminded frequently of the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Says Shelley, “They are setting the example. To have your daughters tell you they would rather give than receive provides for a future of hope and brightness.”
Kellee Hearther
Online Editorial Intern
eCoronado.com
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