Most young girls spend their birthday money on clothes or toys, but not sixth-grader Sydney Ashley. Ashley decided she wanted to give back to the community. Fueled by her love of animals, she donated $130 to the Lakewood Ranch chapter of the Humane Society and then proceeded to raise thousands more for the same organization.

Ashley said she has loved animals from a young age, and she wanted to put that passion to good use.

“I thought it would be a good idea if I used my birthday money to get toys for the animals,” Ashley said.

After donating her own money, Ashley was inspired to contribute even more.

“I made individual letters with information [about me and my volunteer work at the Humane Society] in them, and I went around my neighborhood and put them on people’s doors. They had pre-addressed stamps on them so people could send in money to the Humane Society,” she said. If someonedonated money, Ashley returned to their home to give them a Humane Society calendar.

Board member Fred Meyer said Ashley has become a valuable asset to the Humane Society, a not-for-profit, volunteer, no-kill shelter for cats and dogs.

“Sydney feeds the animals, plays with the dogs and cats, along with helping [to] clean the pens.” He said, “She also has been our most successful calendar salesperson.”

Ashley, who has been with the Humane Society for a little over two months, said she was excited about her volunteer opportunity.

“I always loved animals, so when I heard there was a Humane Society opening up near my house, I was really excited.” She said, “I volunteer whenever I get the chance.”

After donating her own money to buy leashes, toys and more for the animals, Ashley decided to go into the community to raise even more funds in hopes of being able to further contribute.

“I definitely want to keep raising money for the animals. It’s a very small facility, so we want to get them bigger land because we want them to be able to have more dogs. That way [there are fewer] dogs living on the streets,” she said.

During the holiday season, Ashley was recognized for her work by local television station Bay News 9. Meyer said the recognition was well-deserved.

“Because of her wonderful personality and love for the animals, she has done things that most 12-year olds would not do,” he said.

Ashley said she has grown from the experience.

“I learned so much from this, especially how to give,” she said