A Sweet 16 birthday proved to Rockingham County not every teenage girl is thinking about herself.

Hannah Jerrell turned 16 Dec. 22. But instead of asking friends and family for presents, she requested the presents be donated to children in need through the Salvation Army.

“I think it took a lot of courage and self-examination to know she was looking out for someone else other than herself,” Salvation Army Major Sharon Robbins said.

Jerrell’s mother, Beth, said Jerrell has all of her needs met and has most of her wants. Christmas is Jerrell’s favorite time of year, and though her birthday and Christmas are lumped together, she never minded receiving her presents at the same time of year.

On top of not wanting presents for her birthday, Beth said her daughter didn’t ask for much for Christmas.

Jerrell’s Sweet 16 party was held at the Pennrose Country Club in Reidsville. “I wanted it to be fancy,” Jerrell said.

Jerrell had a formal get-together with 22 friends and family members. Since Jerrell was giving back, her mother decided to surprise her and hire a DJ for the evening.

The party had been planned since April. Beth said the family had a rough year. Her husband was in a car accident in 2009 and his foot was never the same. It was amputated in April. Despite this, she and her husband were able to dance together at Hannah’s party.

Guests who brought gifts put them in a large box wrapped like a present. Jerrell said her friends donated 35 gifts and two coats to the Salvation Army in honor of her birthday.

“It really means a lot to us, because it gives us the opportunity to help people through someone like a 16-year-old girl who is willing to give her own presents to someone else,” Robbins said.

The Salvation Army was surprised by Jerrell’s act of kindness. Robbins said this is the first time she’s ever seen something like this happen.

“We couldn’t believe it when her mom called,” Robbins said. “She said she was thinking about it, but we weren’t sure if she’d go through with it. Sure enough, she brought two big boxes in.”

Jerrell’s actions even made her 12-year-old sister, Emily, proud. “I’m glad she did it,” Emily said.

Jerrell said more people should give back to the community and her mother added, “Pay it forward.”

By: Danielle Battaglia | GoDanRiver.com