Girl's birthday wish benefits children who survived disaster

NEWPORT NEWS -- Leading up to her seventh birthday (February 2), Ivi Edlow and her mom were making plans for a "princess party." In the midst of the preparations, disaster struck Haiti.

"When the earthquake hit," says Lakisha Ireland, she actually didn't want to have a party anymore. She was very sad, and she said she wanted to help the kids in Haiti."

The party would take place, with one big change. Ivi decided whatever gifts she got should go to Haitian children who survived the earthquake.

"I told my mom that I wanted to help the kids in Haiti so they could have their fun back," explains the seven-year-old. "The earthquake in Haiti rumbled all the stuff down, and we didn't have an earthquake, and it's better to help."

"It's just amazing that she is so selfless," Ireland tells 13News, "and realizes that it's now about her."

Ireland visited Haiti on a missionary trip in 2007. She continues to be part of efforts to assist people in that country. Emmanuel Baptist Church, of which Ireland is a member, has built a church and school in Haiti, and put in two wells through its Emmanuel House. Ivi came to understand the importance of the outreach without any prodding.

"My mom, it started passing by, and, then, it just landed to me," notes Ivi.

"I didn't know that she noticed," says Ireland. "It's really not what you say, but it's what you do in your actions, and she picked up on 'em."

Ireland and her husband gave the seven-year-old's plan some back up by reaching out to relatives and friends through the internet and a single text message. They requested each person send a birthday card to Ivi, enclosing a single dollar.

"Some are coming from my mother's friends. Some are coming from mine. Some are coming from Ed's. Some are coming from everywhere," beams Ivi. "I was so happy, because I was so ready to give it all to Haiti."

"One of my girlfriends sent her a card and said, 'Five dollars for you, five dollars for Haiti,' and she would say, 'No. I don't want it. I want it all to go to Haiti.'"

The birthday card drive already has generated close to $300, with Ivi checking her mailbox regularly.

"She was a difficult pregnancy, and, you know, we didn't think that she was gonna make it," Ireland explains. "She was a little preemie, but she had a role, and she had something special to do, and I think this is just the beginning of the specialness that she's gonna do to influence the world. She is truly a gift, and I'm proud to be her mommy."