First grader has a giving birthday

Carson Blodgett did something a bit different on her seventh birthday. She asked friends to bring food for the needy to her party rather than gifts.

Carson, who just finished first grade, said she already has lots of toys.

“I thought donating food would be better,” said Carson.

Mother Jackie Blodgett said each guest brought approximately a full bag of groceries from cookies, pastas, soup and drinks to household items.

“People brought a bunch,” said Carson.

Mother and daughter drove to the Kiwanis Food Bank on Main Avenue in their Suburban packed with groceries. The man taking in the food looked at the quantity and said, “Wow!” Kiwanis estimates that 200 pounds were donated.

Jackie said that since her May birthday Carson has been asked a few times if she thinks people have gotten the food they donated.

“This time of year, I think the food bank gets forgotten,” said Jackie. “People need food all year around.”

Blodgett said some of her daughter’s friends have held birthday parties with charitable themes. One asked for donations for the Humane Society. She said choosing this type of birthday was a natural for Carson thanks to her community work through Girl Scouts and her church.

Blodgett said parents were very supportive of the birthday party theme and she hopes the donation is a springboard to a lifetime of helping the community.

“That sense of giving to others is important,” said Jackie Blodgett.