by Kara Harvey, Samaritan’s Purse communications advisor
February, 2014—Elizabeth Kirkham’s eighth birthday was a day to remember. Although the young Calgarian entertained her usual dozen or so guests, this party’s gift-giving took an entirely different turn.
The change began when Nicole, Elizabeth’s mother, was struck by how many presents her daughter received every year and how expensive the Christmas season often becomes. She discussed the problem with Elizabeth, who agreed with her mother.
That’s why, instead of buying presents for her, Elizabeth requested that her guests each bring $10. Half of that gift would go towards a present she could choose for herself.
And the other half? A donation to Samaritan’s Purse to help people in need.
At her party, Elizabeth was given $140. And instead being excited to buy a toy for herself, the little girl asked Nicole over and over again when they could visit Samaritan’s Purse to make her $70 donation.
“Elizabeth never asked about her own money,” Nicole said, amazed at her daughter’s excitement and generosity.
Mother and daughter visited Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Calgary, where staff members described the projects Elizabeth could be a part of—how she could provide hurting families with clean water, nutritious food, medical care, and emergency relief.
But the child already knew who she wanted to help— the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
“That’s really where I feel the money should go,” Elizabeth told her mother.
Through a simple birthday gift, the child joined countless Good Samaritans around the globe who are helping Samaritan’s Purse provide for hurting people on the typhoon-ravaged islands of the Philippines.
Her donation will help us continue to distribute plastic sheeting to shelter thousands of families, blankets to keep them warm, hygiene kits to protect their health, and so much more.
Please join Elizabeth. For each family who receives aid, millions more worldwide go without the help they desperately need. These people need the prayers and financial support of people like you.
To learn more about how you can join our worldwide emergency relief efforts and change lives, visit SamaritansPurse.ca or call 1-800-663-6500.
Samaritan's Purse responds to humanitarian crises with physical aid and a message of spiritual hope for victims of natural disasters, famine, poverty, and war. Your gift will allow us to share Jesus' love through clean water, food, shelter, medical supplies, personnel, and other aid.