For his birthday, Jonathan Wirkus could have asked for presents like most other nine-year-olds would.

Monday, December 03, 2001

For his birthday, Jonathan Wirkus could have asked for presents like most other nine-year-olds would.

But when he thought of the families affected by the Sept. 11 attacks, he decided he’d rather give than receive.

Wirkus told his parents that instead of toys and trinkets, he wanted his friends to bring donations for terrorism victims to his birthday party.

&uot;I felt sad for the people that lost their families, and that they all feel sad,&uot; Jonathan said.

The birthday party was Saturday at Assemblies of God Church in Albert Lea. A small basket on a table was filled with envelopes containing each child’s donation.

His parents said they didn’t give Jonathan the idea; he brought it up himself a few weeks ago. &uot;We were speechless,&uot; Jonathan’s mother, Mary Wirkus, said. &uot;We just looked at him.&uot;

His dad, Daniel Wirkus, said he wasn’t surprised, after having seen his son’s reaction to Sept. 11.

&uot;You might look at him and think he’s a typical kid, but he sees these things happening, and he wants to do something about it,&uot; Daniel Wirkus said. &uot;I’m very proud of him.&uot;

&uot;He’s a very compassionate child, but he’s usually like most other children where he would like a party with lots of presents,&uot; said Mary Wirkus.

Jonathan’s also suggested that the theme of his party be a patriotic one, so his mother bought red, white and blue balloons, party plates, napkins, candles and ribbons to decorate the church fellowship hall. She baked a rectangular cake and adorned it with colored frosting in the shape of the American flag – complete with exactly 13 stripes and 50 stars.

On the day of the party, Jonathan and his dad wore matching American flag tee-shirts, with the saying &uot;These Colors Don’t Run.&uot;

The party raised $21 for disaster relief, and Jonathan’s grandmother, Fern Moore, promised him she’d match it. The money will go to the Salvation Army relief fund.