Seventeen-year-old Avery Krahwinkel recently asked her friends to donate items to Sunrise foster care instead of giving her gifts on her birthday. And they did! Items donated included soap, bubble bath, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toys, and 32 jumbo rolls of toilet paper!

“I did something similar last year during the pandemic since I knew non-profits were struggling with having less volunteers and donations,” said Avery. “I am very fortunate and don’t need a bunch of gifts. And since people would be willing to spend money to get me a present, I asked them to spend money on donations instead.”

Avery first heard of Sunrise in 2020. “I am involved with the Owensboro Impact 100 Next Generation organization, and we toured Sunrise last year because they were one of our grant finalists,” she said. “I had never heard of Sunrise before, but after visiting I was able to see all the great work they are doing. They do a lot for this community, and I figured I could try to help by collecting donations.”

It was quite clear to Avery what she wanted to occur from this act of kindness. “First and foremost, I hope I was able to help families in need that Sunrise works with,” she explained. “I hope my friends see that they don’t necessarily need a lot of birthday gifts, and maybe they could start asking for donations instead.”

Avery has this message for others: “Overall, I hope people take away how easy it is to be kind. Don’t take being fortunate for granted, and try to use your privilege to help people in need.”

Sunrise foster care in Owensboro is extremely grateful to Avery for her generosity, and we are all touched by her compassionate and caring heart. Thank you, Avery!