A 10-year-old rising fifth grader has decided that it’s better to give than receive, and his enthusiasm for philanthropy is catching on.
Every year, Harrison Polinsky – a Kittredge Elementary School student who lives in the Kingsley neighborhood in Dunwoody – asks his friends and family to make a contribution to his chosen nonprofit or community project rather than gifting him presents on his birthday, July 16.
“Harrison is leading by example. It’s been amazing to see his friends opt into doing the same thing – giving rather than receiving on a birthday,” said Harrison’s mother, Stephanie Block. “The ripple effect is heartwarming and gives our family hope. And, these days, a little hope can go a long way. “
This year, Harrison requested that in lieu of gifts, attendees purchase items from the Covenant House Amazon Wishlist.
The decade-long tradition began with Harrison’s first birthday, when party attendees brought new books for Howard County General Hospital in Maryland, followed by donations for flood victims in Elliott City, MD.
After the family moved to Dunwoody, Harrison organized activity bags to be given to homeless youth in Atlanta, asked for school supplies for those in need, and for his sixth birthday, gathered money for the Equal Justice Initiative.
“He told us, ‘I want people to do the right thing even when no one is looking,’” his parents said.
Subsequent donations have included an art supply drive for Kingsley Elementary School, food for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and a fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America that netted $300.
“Collecting donations on my birthday can change the world and can help create world peace,” Harrison said.
Harrison’s father, Avram Polinsky, said he has encouraged his son to see the value in helping others.
“It gives you a good feeling inside, even more than the short-term effect of receiving a gift,” Avram said. “He is recognizing the value of paying it forward.”
Harrison is already looking toward his 11th birthday when he will raise funds for Stand Up to Cancer. Stephanie said that his friends have not only happily donated items and money in Harrison’s honor, but also have gone on to contribute to other charitable causes.
“We hope his story inspires other families to create a ripple effect of love, empathy, and giving back,” his parents said. “We are all in this thing called life together.”
