Anchorage girl collects donations for animal shelter in lieu of birthday presents

A ten year old girl in Anchorage is focusing on giving instead of getting for her birthday this year, forgoing gifts in the name of helping animals in need.

10-year-old Sienna Keogh has a passion for animals. Combine that with her love of helping others, and you get this: "My mom asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday. I didn't really need anything, and I wanted to help somebody else," said Sienna.

Sienna celebrated her birthday on December 30th, but instead of gifts for herself, she asked for donations for local animals in need. Sienna raised $705 dollars from family and friends, and went on a shopping spree at Alaska Mill and Feed.

She checked the Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Amazon wish list and thought carefully about each item she chose. All together, Sienna loaded up three carts worth of goodies to donate to the shelter.

"I've always just loved animals to be honest," said Sienna, "and I really want to become a vet when I'm older."

The caring doesn't stop there. Sienna is one of many generous children who have thought of the shelter on birthdays or special occasions. Five children in 2019 had the same idea as Sienna -- giving instead of getting.

"It's so heartening when we see this coming from young people," said Laura Atwood, with Anchorage Animal Care and Control. "It's just so sincere and so genuine. So we're just very appreciative."

Alaska Mill and Feed matched Sienna's donation up to $700, so all together the shelter received more than $1400 worth of supplies. Alaska Mill and Feed's match will come in the form of much needed crates, and other items for small animals.

Sienna still celebrated her birthday with friends. She says they had a sleepover and went to the movies to see Frozen 2.

If you'd like to donate to the shelter like Sienna, you can view it's Amazon wishlist,

.