NIXA, Mo. (KY3/Gray News) - A Missouri community came together to help make a birthday for a young boy something he would not forget.
Amy Hamilton posted a message in a community group about her 11-year-old son Zach having a birthday party, but they weren’t receiving many reservations about people joining them.
She said she made the post on the Nixa Neighbors Facebook page after the RSVPs weren’t coming in.
Hamilton said her son has a challenge making friends.
“Eye contact is hard with him,” she said. “He has ADHD inattentive. So he’s got some different challenges that can make it hard to make friends, especially when friends may not always be as patient as some adults can be.”
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But that quickly changed once word got out about the birthday party plans.
“Like a day before the party [Facebook said] there was going to be like 52 people,” Zach said. “I was like in shock.”
And last Saturday, they all showed up and played for hours, with many people bringing bonus presents for the birthday boy.
“I got a lot of Lego sets,” Zach said.
From the playground to freeze tag, disc golf to just talking, the event helped make it a very special day for the Hamilton family.
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Drivers even put on a car show for Zach’s big day at the park.
“Seeing all of the different friendships and connections that happened was amazing to watch,” Hamilton said.
She said she wants parents to know it’s alright to ask for help, especially when it comes to helping their children.
“It’s OK to ask for help when you need it,” Hamilton shared. “If you’re going through a struggle or if you’re just needing some friends to come to a birthday party, the community will help, but you have to let others know.”
The Hamilton family said they hope this will also help other children facing the same challenges make connections.
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