By Chris Yow
Editor
TRUSSVILLE — Paine student Malloy McDonald truly understands that giving is better than receiving. She proved also that actions speak louder than words. Over the weekend, the 11-year-old held a warm clothes drive at her home in order to find a way to help others this holiday season.
Mallory and her mother, Christy, put together a small campaign to advertise the event, and the response was incredible.
“I am very pleased with what we have accomplished to help those in need,” Mallory said.
The idea for a clothes drive began when Mallory asked to have guests bring things to help the needy for her birthday party. From there, the idea spread.
“At first, I wanted people to bring things for my birthday party, but I realized I wouldn’t get as much,” Mallory said. “I told my mom I wanted to do a clothes drive to help people who couldn’t go and buy warm clothes. “
When she spoke those words, the look of pride was clear on the face of her mother.
“I was very proud of her,” Christy said. “When she first said something about doing it for her birthday, I was overwhelmed by her giving spirit. It’s something we’ve always tried to instill in her.”
Each year, the McDonald family ministers in some way by giving back to the community or to local shelters, but this was not a normal family-giving function. People from around their neighborhood as well as others from Trussville came out and filled the boxes full of coats and sweaters and even jeans.
Christy said the men’s clothes were donated to the firehouse shelter, while women’s clothing was donated to Jessie’s Place.
“We didn’t want to do anything where they would sell it in a store, we wanted to make sure we helped folks who needed these clothes,” she said.
Mallory said she hoped the drive could become an annual event because of the success she’s seen from this drive.
“I could help more people each and every year get more clothes,” she said.