GIRL USES 12TH BIRTHDAY PARTY TO AID THE NEEDY

What does one get the 12-year-old who has everything and wants nothing?

As unlikely a scenario as that might seem to most, Alita Phillips and friends of her daughter Majhon faced just such a dilemma this fall. The answer, though, was simple.

Majhon held a birthday party Nov. 21 at Main Street Fitness and encouraged her friends to all bring gifts. The only catch was, the presents would not be for her; rather, they would be given to less fortunate children in the community, for Christmas.

"Absolutely, positively no gifts for me," read the rhyming invitations she sent out. "My biggest wish instead would be, bring something to give to charity!"

"I really didn't want any presents to begin with," said Majohn, a sixth grader at Jackson Middle School. "I didn't like the idea of getting gifts and Mom said 'Why don't you get gifts and donate them to charity?'. I said 'Good idea.'"

Majhon and her friends and family have collected a huge supply of toys for children, as well as hygiene items for adults. Nine children, ranging in ages 1-9, will benefit from the 12-year-old's generosity. A number of adults will receive baskets with hygiene products like soap, shampoo and toothbrushes.

Majhon actually wanted to something similar last Christmas, making dolls for needy children. Unfortunately, the family was unable to make the necessary contacts in time. This year the Philips' church, New McKendree United Methodist Church, helped put the family in touch with the Lutheran Family Services, which gave them a list of individuals in need.

"She was more exciting going through presents to give away than I've ever seen her, opening presents for herself," Alita said. "She was really excited."

"I was pretty excited about it," Majhon agreed. "I like the idea that we can donate to all those people in need. I've wanted to do that a long time. This is the finally the year I get to."

Majhon likes basketball and is already writing her own music. She hopes to get a doctorate in music some day and record her own works. She has also been honored for her poetry. Her school poem "Oh! It's just the Little Things" was the Middle School's selection or entry in a regional youth writing contest. (See enclosed poem.)

"I think the poem says a lot about her," Alita said. "She does have a big heart."

"I'd like to do this next year," Majohn said. "Probably any chance I get to donate items, I'll take it. I had never really practiced the act of giving. It was overwhelming."