15-year old Jordyn Jones-Shakur, a Malvern resident and student at Great Valley High School, has given back to her community for her past two birthdays, a move that inspired her family and made them proud, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News.

Instead of presents or a party, Jones-Shakur asked family and friends to donate supplies that can be given to homeless shelters. The items collected were separated into two types of packages with one containing food such as water, chips, crackers, sweet treats, savory bites, and more. The other package had hats and gloves, wash clothes, hand warmers, and toiletries like soap, lotion, feminine care products, and chapstick.

“It’s absolutely amazing. When she turned 14 she didn’t want a birthday party, but something different,” said her mother. “She wanted to give back to the community in some way. I was speechless when a 13-year-old didn’t want a party.”

Jones-Shakur said that everyone was always so grateful and excited to receive the gifts, and that she enjoyed knowing that they were going to people who could really use them.

“It made me realize that I’m so blessed to have so many things,” she said. “I have a roof over my head, constant water, food on a daily basis and so many things people take for granted.”

Senator Carolyn Comitta even applauded her efforts with special Certificate of Recognition.

Read more about Jordyn Jones-Shakur giving back to her community in The Daily Local News.