Military kid Caylee Taylor, in some respects, is a typical 8 year old. The Clarkmoor Elementary second-grader, who lives on Joint Base Lewis-McChord with her family, loves the same things as most other children her age do. Favorite school subjects include science, studying animals and art. She likes to have fun with her friends and loves to giggle. The youngster is also active in swimming lessons, gymnastics and her local Girl Scout troop. Caylee also loves football; the family moved from the Midwest three years ago and still follows the Minnesota Vikings. Caylee's favorite player is former Viking, now Seattle Seahawk, Sydney Rice. The family dog is even named in the player's honor.
Yet what sets this child apart is her giving and selfless spirit. For the last two years, Caylee has forgone birthday gifts in lieu of helping others in need. Caylee's mother, Aryn Taylor, suggested the idea to her daughter a few years ago. Taylor recognized that birthday parties and birthday presents could bring lots of added expenses to families. So she suggested that instead of getting gifts at her birthday party, Caylee could use the party as a way to collect items for charity and just simply have a great time with friends and family.
Most children would be concerned about giving up presents, but not Caylee. She loved the idea and got to work, helping her mom make plans. Last year, the youngster wanted to provide items for Fisher House, an organization that provides servicemembers and their families a comfortable and supportive environment to reside in while their loved one undergoes medical care at Madigan Army Medical Center. Caylee had a friend whose family spent time in Fisher House. Friends and family from near and far got behind Caylee's energy and enthusiasm, and the donations poured in.
This year, Caylee wanted to focus on helping kids in need. She chose The Rescue Mission in Tacoma, an organization that provides valuable support, resources and services for homeless families and individuals.
Caylee works to get the message out to friends and family.
"Caylee invites all her classmates and lets parents and friends know not to bring any sort of presents," Taylor said. "If they are able, they can bring something that the organization needs, but it's not required."
Caylee's birthday falls on the eve of Valentine's Day, which is fitting for such a big-hearted child. According to Mom, that's just Caylee.
"Caylee just smiles and shrugs off any type of praise for this act. To her, it's the best way to handle a party!
"I think she has shown me over the last year how much people can really do. It's hard to put into words. My husband always tells me, ‘How did we get so lucky?' We are really lucky, and she is so special. She's very mature for her age and she just knows how to make people feel good and feel included. She really cares - in fact she's trying to give stuff away all of the time!
"It just brings me to tears," smiled the proud mother. "I think I'm gonna cry!"
Caylee's party is scheduled for Sunday. The family plans to drop off all donations to The Rescue Mission on Feb. 21.
So why does Caylee like to help? The humble birthday girl has a very simple and straightforward message for everyone to think about:
"I have enough stuff already! That's why I help!"
