If fourth-grader Madeline Nichols had a birthday cake this year, she'd blow out her 10 candles and wish that all the pets in the world could be safe and healthy.

If her parents could wrap that promise and tie it with a bow, they would. But Madeline, 10, isn't interested in cake or presents for her birthday next month. Instead, she's asking that her birthday surprises be delivered to the Humane Society of York County in Fort Mill.

On Saturday, she delivered stacks of donations - more than $600 worth - to the humane society building on Carolina Place.

She also helped raise almost $500 in cash for the shelter. Instead of the spa party she hosted for her birthday last year, Nichols, a Rock Hill resident, and three of her friends will spend time at the shelter volunteering.

Belinda Epps, who has worked at the society for six years, said she's seen similar donations from about 10 students so far this year, and the numbers are rising. Schools and Scouts give donations, too, and Epps receives items every day from people in the community.

"Kids nowadays get more than I could have ever imagined at that age," Epps said. "It's sweet they're also giving back."

"I thought it was very nice of her," Epps said after Nichols' gifts were dropped off. "It's getting to be a trend with kids volunteering like this. Other kids have helped like this, and while some can't contribute as much, they do as much as they can. Even the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have started doing it."

Nichols brought toys, beds, cat litter, newspapers, cleaning supplies and more than 200 pounds of food from family, friends, teachers, classmates and neighbors. She finished collecting the goods last week.

The birthday girl said she learned about the Humane Society and its needs at her local veterinarian's office. She thought of her pets: her golden retriever Woofie, her pug Pugsie, and her two cats, Stephanie and Maxfli.

That news - and a few years of watching her Nanna, who also loved animals - gave Nichols an idea. In the parking lot, Nichols proposed a deal to her mother. She didn't need the balloons or ice cream to make her feel a year older. The animals needed more than she did.

"I couldn't be more proud, of course," said her mother, Janice Nichols, who made an instant call to her husband during his business trip. "I was shocked at first. She came up with it all on her own."

Nichols got to work putting fliers in every mailbox in her neighborhood. She made an announcement to her class and talked to family members about the change in tradition. She wanted to start before everyone went on vacation.

Twenty birthdays from now, she'd like to be a veterinarian. But for now, she's happy giving her time and attention to the pug-Pekingnese mix she met during her first visit to the humane society, and to all of his dog and cat friends.

Christopher Sardelli contributed to this story.

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