CHIPPEWA COUNTY — A 9-year-old Sault Ste. Marie girl celebrated her birthday this month by collecting donations for a local animal shelter instead of receiving presents. Maren Russo turned 9 on March 2 and requested that family and friends provide supplies for the Chippewa Animal Shelter.
The birthday event took place at Lake State’s Student Activity Center, where guests brought items to support the shelter’s operations. Maren has a history of centering her birthday celebrations on her love for animals.
Friends and family members brought various items to the celebration to help stock the shelter’s shelves, including pet food, toys and other supplies. Shortly after the party, Maren and her family visited the Chippewa Animal Shelter to deliver the gathered donations directly to the staff.
Maren has always maintained a strong interest in animals, often choosing them as the focus for her birthday celebrations. While she is only 9, she already intends to pursue a career as a veterinarian when she grows up.
Dani Russo, Maren’s mother, said her daughter’s parties frequently feature animal themes. “She usually tries to think about a theme for her birthday, whether it’s bunnies or ponies, it seems to relate to animals, so this year she did cats and dogs,” Russo said. “We are very proud of her for thinking of animals and donating for the shelter.”