Boy celebrates 10th birthday by giving to others in need

As his 9th birthday arrived in 2009, Chukker Creek Elementary School student Sebastian O'Banion told his mom he wanted to do something different for the 10th - like donate all his gifts to low-income kids.

Sebastian did just that this week, bringing a number of toys, clothes and coats to be distributed to children identified as homeless by the Aiken County School District.

"I sent out an invitation to my friends asking for no gifts for me," Sebastian said. "I just wanted them to go to any kids who needed them."

Sherida Stroman, a social worker, has coordinated efforts with the homeless population within the school district for the past. At a recent School Board meeting, she noted that a total of 226 students with that status were in the school system on the previous Friday. By the time of the board meeting four days later, the number had grown to 231.

"This is really exciting," Stroman said of Sebastian's contributions Tuesday. "Most of the students I work with are not getting anything for Christmas. They're concerned about where they are going to live and whether they have enough to eat - let alone toys. This is very nice."

Many people are familiar with agencies such as Helping Hands and the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons and their work with children in abuse and neglect situations, but scores of other children may be living in cars or hotels or are moved from home to home with their financially-stressed parents, Stroman said.

When she learns of newly-identified students, Stroman notifies parents of their rights to advocate for their kids and to continue to receive educational services. The meals they get at school may be the only ones they get on a given day.

She has gotten a number of other donations to help these children before Christmas. Those who would like to join those efforts may call her at 634-3658.

Sebastian's mother, Allison O'Banion, was pleasantly surprised that her son remembered his promise of a year earlier.

"I wasn't taking him seriously at first, as most kids really wouldn't want to do this," she said. "But when he brought it up again, I said 'Absolutely, if you want to do it.' I'm very proud of him."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.