Waikeli Balstad requested no birthday presents this year

Nine year old Waikeli Balstad wanted to help those in need this year for her birthday.

"It's an opportunity for helping people," said Waikeli.

Balstad was getting ready to celebrate her ninth birthday, and she requested that no one bring any gifts.

She explained her room was already crowded with toys and that she didn't need any more. Balstad and her mother, Aly Lahoe, wrote a note to her friends and family asking for food to donate to a local charity. From there Lahoe contacted Judy Carswell who put the call out on social media.

Carswell runs the People for People Backpack program that donates food to children who often do not have enough. Impressed with the heartfelt charity, Carswell asked Balstad what she wanted to do when she grew up thinking she may have found a replacement. The young girl asked Carswell rhetorically, "You realize I am only nine?"

Balstad was able to collect several boxes of food for the charity. Carswell said she wished more people had such a big heart. Balstad and her mother said they want to continue to do this every year.