Los Altos twin girls forgo birthday gifts to help shelter animals

By Michelle Giluso, Town Crier Editorial Intern

Los Altos residents Sarah and Sophie Brotzel didn’t unwrap the usual birthday gifts of Barbies and roller skates at their celebration Aug. 10.

The twin girls, who turned 8 Aug. 8, decided to forgo the traditional birthday presents, and instead selflessly asked their approximatley 20 invited friends to bring gifts to donate to Humane Society Silicon Valley.

Although it was their mother Amanda’s idea to donate gifts to needy animals, Sarah and Sophie eventually agreed that helping shelter animals is a generous and good cause that is worthwhile.

Their mother said Sophie needed a little more coaxing into the party’s gift-bestowing animal theme than easygoing Sarah did.

Afraid of being duped out of a bundle of birthday gifts, Sophie was later reassured by her mother that she and her sister would be getting plenty of gifts from family members.

The girls acquired their compassionate nature for animals from the years of diligent care they provided to their two cats, Arnold and Jessie.

“They understand the care needed for animals, having two animals of their own,” their mother said.

Human Society Silicon Valley President Christine Benninger said the animal shelter gives the twins “two paws up for their generous donations and gifts. Not many children would be willing to forgo their traditional birthday gifts to help benefit shelter animals, but these girls prove that philanthropists come in all ages.”

The girls’ enthusiam for abandoned animals further escaleted after their Brownie Troop toured the Humane Society last May and intensified when their school, Loyola Elementary, took part in the Humane Society’s Kids and Kindness program, which teaches children to respect animals.

To complement the birthday party’s animal-related theme, a perfoming parrot act that “sings and rides bikes” was featured at the celebration’s location at Shoup park.

Benninger said, “Sarah and Sophie’s selfless act means more shelter animals will have toys to play with, soft blankets to lay on and chewy treats to eat.”