GOOCHLAND, Va. -- A local Virginia girl had a special birthday wish for her big day this month. She wanted to give gifts, not receive them.
For her sixth birthday, Ashley Marmer said instead of toys and games, she wanted her guests to bring things she could donate to a local animal shelter.
Marylee Marmer said her daughter Ashley received dog treats, toys and dog blankets to donate to the animals at Goochland Animal Shelter. She said Ashley wanted to help the animals waiting for their forever homes.
Ashley Marmer with some dog treats.
“Because I like animals and I wanted to get them some stuff,” the six-year-old said.
This is actually the second year in a row Ashley has given up her birthday gifts to help animals.
“It’s pretty amazing to see what my husband and I have instilled in her has grown to her doing this for her birthday,” said the proud mom.
Ashley Marmer
She said her family has been giving back to animal shelters in Central Virginia for six years.
“We wish we could adopt all the animals but we can’t,” Marmer said.
