Zara’s Birthday Wish

Zara adored her birthday. She loved the balloons, the cake, and especially having all her friends round to celebrate. But this year, as she was turning ten, Zara wanted her birthday to feel a bit different — something a little more special.

One afternoon, on the drive home from school, she overheard her mum talking about a children’s hospital that needed toys for the kids who had to stay there for weeks at a time. Some of them didn’t even have a cuddly toy to hold at night.

Zara felt a warm, squiggly feeling in her chest.“Maybe I could help,” she thought.

That evening, she made up her mind.Instead of asking for presents, she would ask her friends to bring one small toy to donate.

A Birthday Twist

The next day, when Zara handed out her party invitations, her friends were puzzled.

“No presents at all?” asked Mia.

“Nope,” Zara said with a grin. “Just bring one toy for the children in hospital.”

Some of her friends blinked. Others smiled.

One even said, “That’s actually brilliant!”

Zara wasn’t sure how many toys she’d end up with, but she hoped for at least a few.

The Big Day Arrives

When her birthday finally came, the back garden was filled with laughter, bunting, and the sweet smell of fairy cakes. One by one, her friends arrived — each holding a toy.

A jigsaw puzzle.A teddy bear.A football.A sparkly slime kit.A small robot.

By the time everyone had arrived, the toy pile was so large that Zara’s dad had to fetch two big boxes to hold everything.

Zara could hardly believe it. Her friends kept saying things like:

“I picked this because I loved it when I was younger.”

“I hope this cheers someone up.”

“We should do this every year!”

Zara felt her heart flutter like a balloon caught in the sunshine.

A Birthday Delivery

The next morning, Zara and her parents drove to the children’s hospital. A nurse greeted them at the entrance, her face lighting up when she saw the boxes.

“These will make such a difference,” she said warmly.

As they walked back to the car, Zara glanced at the now-empty boxes on the trolley and smiled. Her birthday had begun with balloons and cupcakes, but it ended with something even better — a corridor full of delighted nurses carrying toys to children who needed a little extra cheer.

Zara slipped her hands into her parents’ and headed towards the exit.“Best birthday ever,” she murmured — and she truly meant it.

The Lesson

Zara learned that birthdays aren’t just about receiving things — they can be about giving as well.Her simple idea ended up making a real difference to dozens of children she had never met.

And that year, Zara’s birthday wasn’t only enjoyable — it was meaningful. It was thoughtful. It was kind.

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