Jessie Marshall decided that it was better to give than to receive at his 12th birthday party earlier this month.

In fact, Jessie decided to go cone step further and he asked his friends if they would donate cash for his big day, which was ultimately donated to the Salvation Army and its Anonymous Santa programme.

When asked why he decided to help those less fortunate than himself at Christmas, the Smith's resident said: "Because I felt I already have so much that my family has given me and I thought I should help other children who were maybe not as fortunate as me.

"I decided on the Salvation Army's Anonymous Santa because I think it does a lot of good work helping others and I thought I could help them to make Bermuda a better place by donating to them."

Jessie said raising the funds was a great experience.

"My party was on December 12 at the BAA Gymnasium where my friends and I played indoor football," said the Saltus Senior School student.

"We picked teams and played indoor football, had pizza and birthday cake. Some of the fathers of my friends also formed a team and we had fun playing against them, too."

Jessie and his friends raised $250 for the Anonymous Santa programme, which gives gifts to needy children.

"My friends helped me by donating the money and we were able to raise $250, but my mom and dad said they would match the amount so I was able to donate $500.

"My friends all liked the idea and said it was different.

"I feel very happy that I was able to help others and I hope what I was able to do will inspire other children to donate to charities that help the less fortunate.

"I think it is important to help, because if I was in that predicament I would want help too."