Whiz Kids: Max and Mirabel Mallet

Whiz Kids

Max and Mirabel Mallet, Goldens Bridge residents, Katonah-Lewisboro Schools

Whiz Kid Accomplishment

Donated birthday gifts to foster children gift drive and inspired others to give.

Whiz Kids Key to Awesomeness

When their 10th birthday rolled around, Max and Mirabel Mallet of Goldens Bridge weren't thinking about getting presents.

They were thinking about seeing people who were homeless in New York City and wishing they could do something to make their lives better. Instead of receiving gifts, they were thinking they'd ask their friends to donate gifts for children who were homeless.

And so they asked their peers for help—in this case, their ice hockey teammates. Their mom, Rhea Mallet, helped to organize an "ice hockey birthday extravaganza," where girls from the Brewster Lady Bulldogs and boys from the Ridgefield Lions teams came together to play hockey, celebrate Max and Mirabel and honor children who had less than they were fortunate enough to have.

They collected over 50 gifts, according to Rhea Mallet, who researched where to take the gifts. She called the county social services department and found that in Westchester, over 800 children are homeless or in foster care. Wanting her children to experience the act of giving, she asked if her family could deliver the gifts.

"Then it just snowballed from there," she said.

County officials got involved and quickly arranged a recognition ceremony to be presided by County Executive Rob Astorino. He complimented them on their actions in a brief visit in his office last Thursday.

“A special thank you goes to Max and Mirabel for setting an example for all of us to remember how lucky we are and how important it is to help others,” said Astorino. “Their giving spirit means dozens of children will have gifts to open.”

The gifts went toward the eight-year-old county Holiday Gift Drive.

And what did the Mallet kids think of all the fuss surrounding their toy collection?

"I was nervous!" said Max.

But as he relaxed, he enjoyed the recognition that day and the motivation it gave him and his sister to do even more next year.

"It was nice of the hockey teams to bring the gifts—next year we can hopefully collect enough for all the kids to get two presents," he said.

Monetary donations may also be made to the WCDSS Holiday Gift Drive, 112 E. Post Road, White Plains 10601. Further information is also available by calling (914) 995-4979.