The McKenna Family decided 16 years ago that instead of exchanging gifts at Christmas, they would instead donate to a favorite charity. In the family, there are six siblings and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who pool their money.
It started with the oldest member in the family choosing where to donate the money. Every year the next-oldest family member chooses where the money will be donated.
This year it was nine-year-old Zoey Stuart’s turn. She chose to donate $500 to the future Morrison Bark Park and $500 to the White Rhino at Niabi Zoo. Completion of the dog park cannot come soon enough for Zoey and her dog, Haddie.
The family does not like a lot of recognition for doing this. “It is just a way for us to feel like we are giving and helping out good programs and charities,” stated Zoey’s grandmother Jan Stuart. Pictured are Zoey and Jan Stuart.
Some past donations were to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals (the first year); Honor Flights [for Veterans to Washington, D. C.]; Shoes to third-world countries; Autism; Cows for India; Breast Cancer; School Districts; Koala Bears in Australia; food banks.
Now, young Zoey Stuart will have her name permanently on signage of the Morrison Bark Park. On the Move with Parks and Rec would like to sincerely thank Zoey and her family for helping to make the dream of a Morrison Bark Park a reality.
There are two children younger than Zoey, [who will make decisions where the family monetary gifts go.] In 2024, the tradition of giving will start over with the eldest in the family. Unless, of course, there are future children who arrive in the McKenna family!