December 19, 2008

An eight-year-old girl forgoes presents under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning in favor of helping the homeless this Christmas.

She asked her mom to donate her Christmas presents to a local shelter, People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry.

When her mom asked her what she wanted for Christmas, Alexandra LaCour says she couldn't think of anything, so she wanted her presents to go to a good cause

PACEM officials say they've never seen a kid donate anything like this before.

"I just really tried to make some people's Christmas better this year," said LaCour.

Alexandra came to the shelter with a family friend to see what the homeless shelter looks like and where the money will be going. Her first thoughts were how much we take for granted.
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"We take for granted that we have homes, and all, and we have TVs and electronics and stuff, but they don't have anything. Not even a house to sleep in."

The 8-year-old presented PACEM with a $500 check. It's money her mom would have spent to buy her Christmas presents. For Alexandra, the joy of Christmas is in giving rather than receiving. She says she gets presents for her family the day before Christmas because she can't wait to give it to them.

"I always try to help whenever I can because it makes me feel good to give," says LaCour.

"It's really wonderful that she thought of us during this time of year, and what an incredible gesture on her part. She's obviously a very special young woman," said Dave Norris, Executive Director of PACEM.

But how will she feel on Christmas morning if she wakes up and there are no presents?

"I'll feel great," she says. "Absolutely great."

PACEM is putting the donation to use right away to help the homeless have a safe and merry Christmas.

"I just had to buy a bunch of new replacement cots and, in fact, that came to right about the same amount of money that she gave from her Christmas present," explained Norris.

"I hope that this will inspire some kids to really think about other people that are less fortunate," said the 8-year-old philanthropist.

Folks at PACEM were really moved by the sincerity of Alexandra's gesture. Her mom wasn't there, so she presented the check by herself with a family friend. They say it's one of the largest single donations they've received in a while.

The money will be used to pay for expenses in running the shelters, and it'll help the shelter stay open a little longer into the spring past March.

If you're interested in learning more about PACEM or donating to the shelter, call these numbers:

Men's Shelter:
434.465.1392

Women's Shelter:
434.465.5094

or visit their web site.