Why One Illinois Boy Skipped Birthday Presents to Feed His Neighbors

An 8-year-old from Tinley Park, Illinois has gone viral for choosing to celebrate his birthday by hosting a food drive instead of a party.

The Toughest Part of Being a Parent

Raising children is tough, but raising children in an often volatile, social-media obsessed world is even tougher.

My oldest daughter just turned 12, and I am amazed at how mature she is compared with when I was her age. That may sound like something a parent should be proud of, but for me, it's a little heartbreaking.

Kids today grow up way too fast, and as a parent, it often feels impossible to slow that down. We can only shelter our kids from all the bad in the world for so long, so the best thing we can do is teach them to be the good.

My husband and I work hard to teach our children compassion, sacrifice, and the importance of being kind to others, and this story out of Tinley Park, Illinois is exactly what this world needs more of.

Illinois Boy Hosts Food Drive for His 8th Birthday

Alex Anning of Tinley Park was planning a typical party with family and friends to celebrate his 8th birthday, but then he saw a homeless man on the street and those party plans went right out the window.

Alex Anning's mom, Kymbria Young, told WGN TV:

When Alex saw someone struggling, he wanted to help. His compassion shows that anyone can take action and make a difference at any change.

Alex's action was to fill enough grocery bags to hand out and feed 150 people in his community.

Thank you, Alex for your compassion and giving heart. I can't wait to see what you come up with for your next birthday!