Published in the November 2, 2017 edition

BIRTHDAY BOY Cole Donahue (standing, center of back row holding balloon) is surrounded by his second-grade classmates, NRHS volleyball coach Mike Milone and members of the NRHS volleyball team during a surprise visit to the Little School to thank him for choosing to donate money he would have received for his eighth birthday to the team’s Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk in Boston. (Courtesy Photo)

By ABBY PAINE

NORTH READING — There is something truly special about the smile children receive from unwrapping the presents at their birthday parties. Most children eagerly wait all year long for this very moment.

As for local second grader Cole Donahue, he had a greater purpose in mind.

Instead of accepting gifts at his eighth birthday party, the young boy kindly requested that his guests donate money to a local team in support of a well-known cause. The money he raised was donated to the North Reading High School volleyball team and their efforts at the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk in Boston.

Cole’s friendship with the Milone family prompted this generous donation to the head coach of the NRHS volleyball team, Mike Milone, and the rest of the players. Cole raised a whopping $180 for the team, which will ultimately go the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

This mature and selfless action brought a heartwarming feeling to both Coach Milone and the varsity team. Making sure Cole did not go unnoticed, the teammates joined forces and met at the Little School  one afternoon last week when their coach set aside his teaching duties to help surprise Cole.

With balloons, laser tag passes, a giant card, and a signed ball in hand, the girls walked into Mrs. Beth Leavitt’s second grade classroom. The players teared up at the noticeable humbleness of the young boy, who was clearly excited to see the team.

With time left in the elementary school day, the girls used the balloons to play “keep it up” with the children in Cole’s class.

Honoring him was the least they could do for such a thoughtful donation and kind person. In the end, it felt as though the smiles on the girls’ faces and the one on Cole’s would forever be more memorable than that of unwrapping a birthday gift.