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PK Student Donates Birthday Gifts to School for Blind

Shady Side Academy pre-kindergartner Michael McCarroll, son of Junior School science teacher Jeff McCarroll, has proven to be quite the philanthropist at the ripe old age of 5.

This past February, for his fifth birthday, instead of anticipating the usual bounty of toys from his party guests, Michael asked his pals to buy gifts for students at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children instead. He collected art supplies, books and light-up toys, and delivered them in person to the school with his dad. It marked the second straight birthday that Michael has collected gifts for the WPSBC rather than himself.
 

Michael was born with a rare genetic disorder called oculocutaneous albinism, which means he has no pigment in his retinas and has light hair and skin. Because of this, his vision is impaired at around 20/200.

"The WPSBC was the first place we turned to when learning of Michael’s diagnosis at three months," said dad Jeff McCarroll. "Everyone there was so helpful and thoughtful that my wife P.J. and I wanted to find a creative way to give back to them. Michael always wants to know if we are proud of him after we have donated the items. He beams with pride when we tell him what a kind thing he has done for other children."

Located in Oakland, the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational facility committed to training visually impaired students with additional disabilities. The school also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout Western Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.wpsbc.org.
 

Kudos to Michael for his generous and thoughtful birthday gesture!