Charlottesville Girl Gives Away Birthday Gifts to Help Another

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Updated: 2:05 PM Feb 5, 2012 Charlottesville Girl Gives Away Birthday Gifts to Help Another Jenna Niemeier will turn 10 years old on Monday. But instead of having a party where she gets all the presents, she wanted to give back. Posted: 6:49 PM Feb 4, 2012 Reporter: Chris Stover Email Address: chris.stover@newsplex.com

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February 4, 2012

Jenna Niemeier will turn 10 years old on Monday. But instead of having a party where she gets all the presents, she wanted to give back.

"I wanted to do something nice for someone not as lucky as me," she said. "Mom did a lot of research and talked to everyone here and then she finally found a little girl not as lucky as me named Jakia."

"We had been talking a lot at home about being grateful and how we can give back and that kind of thing, so I think she was just thinking about something she could do," said Jenna's mom, Karen.

The Hope Community Center recommended one of its students, Jakia Maupin. Jakia has overcome many obstacles in her life and continues to succeed.

"I was excited," Jakia said. "My mom just gave me a little hint on something one day when she said, 'How would you feel about if someone gave you a party?'"

"It touches my heart," said Courtney Maupin, Jakia's mom. "It's a great thing."

At the party Saturday afternoon, the kids learned all about baton twirling, followed by indulging in ice cream and cake. But at this party, there was a bigger lesson beyond the batons.

"Of course I was very proud," Karen Niemeier said. "You don't really realize that a young child as young as Jenna would think of something like that."

It's a day and a party that no one will forget anytime soon.

"I think it's really nice that they're bringing [the presents] all for Jakia and not for me," Jenna said.

"I'm just happy and thankful," Jakia said.

"We're just fortunate and just so excited and blessed to be able to enjoy this for my family and my daughter to be able to have this gift," Courtney Maupin said.

For the Maupins, it was a gift worth more than any present on the table.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Chuck on Feb 6, 2012 at 11:59 AM

These types of stories just humble the heck out of me. Good on her and I wish her a very Happy Birthday and may she celebrate even more with one being better than the last.

Posted by: redmama Location: baltimore md on Feb 5, 2012 at 01:33 PM

What a awesome act of truly being selfless!! Luv it!!

Posted by: A Durham on Feb 5, 2012 at 09:50 AM

Jenna...you rock little one!!!!!

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