Charity begins in childhood

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Philanthropy starts at a young age for Teagan Jai Boyd.

The 7-year old first-grader at Casis Elementary decided last year to turn her birthday into a giving party for others. Her mother, AngelynLeNell Tarrant, a physician, said Teagan telling her she wanted to give to young patients.

"They will have toys so they won't be sad when they have to get their shots and stuff," Teagan told her mom. "And if they aren't sad then their parents won't worry."

Teagan raised $1,000 after asking her friends in lieu of gifts to donate to the youngsters known as the Superhero Kids, who are patients of the Children's Blood and Cancer Center of Dell Children's Medical Center.

This year, Teagan's birthday gift is even bigger, thanks to matching donations from Austin Philanthropist Milton Verret and the co-founder of the Superhero Kids Endowment, John Joseph.