For her ninth birthday, Mary asked for some unusual birthday gifts such as soap, schoolbags and Towels. But Mary didn't want these 1 for herself. She wanted to give them to other people.
At school, Mary's teacher 2 her students, "You can't always be self-centered. You have to 3 others." Mary's classmates had helped to 4 supplies for a school in Africa. But Mary wanted to do more. With help from 5 parents, Mary researched local charities(慈善机构)and 6 a shelter(庇护所)that helps women and children in need.
After finding out what supplies the shelter 7 , Mary included a list with each party invitation. Mary's friends brought shelter supplies to her 8 party. Those who couldn't come to her birthday party 9 gave gifts. She had so many gifts that they 10 her family's truck! "It was like we were going on vacation." Mary said with a 11 . She said it was fun to watch the pile of donations(捐赠物) 12 . Mary collected $650 in cash donations and more than $1,000 worth of 13 for the shelter in the end. 14 Mary went with her parents to send the supplies to the shelter, people there 15 her with another birthday party. They had 16 a cake for her and gave her a 17 signed(签名)by everyone there.
Mary hopes other children will hear about her 18 birthday and choose their own charity to support. "I felt really 19 when I did it," she said. "You're not just giving them something; you're 20 them with their whole life."
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