Jacobson, who will be in second grade at Butler Elementary School this fall, asked her birthday party guests on Sunday to bring pet food and pet supplies to donate to the Almost Home Humane Society of North Central Iowa instead of bringing presents.

Jacobson’s reasoning for asking for donations for the shelter is simple.

“Because they’re cute,” she said.

She said she felt happy when she saw her party guests bring an array of pet food, treats and toys on Sunday, calling it the best birthday ever.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Almost Home staff members Allix Black, left, and Sarah Camden, right, accept a donation of pet supplies collected by 7-year-old Gracelynn Jacobson and her mom, Melanie Jacobson, on Tuesday afternoon.

When Gracelynn Jacobson was asked about what she wanted for her birthday and she responded with the items to donate to the animal shelter, her mom, Melanie Jacobson, was blown away.

“When she said that, I was like oh my gosh, I never thought like that when I was 7,” Melanie Jacobson said. “It’s so sweet. It’s inspiring.”

Gracelynn Jacobson and her mom brought their haul of more than 25 items, including food, treats, toys and cat litter, to Almost Home on Tuesday afternoon.

After unloading the car, Gracelynn got to go inside and spend some time petting kittens Munchkin and Star, and giving a treat to dog Marshall.

“We’re really thankful for anybody that can take the time to donate,” said Almost Home staff member Sarah Camden. “It’s really awesome that she did it for her birthday party.”

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Gracelynn Jacobson, 7, of Fort Dodge, holds a kitten named Munchkin after bringing by a donation of more than 25 pet supplies to Almost Home on Tuesday afternoon.