BREWER, Maine — Leading up to his 12th birthday, Dorian Pillsbury decided that he should not be alone in enjoying a birthday cake and candles. As part of an annual tradition of giving back, he decided to raise money and collect donated cake mixes to give to food pantries.
Finding a cause and fundraising to support it has been a yearly challenge for five years according to Pillsbury's mom, Lisa Liberatore.
"As soon as he was old enough and he saw a problem in the community. Then I was like, 'We can solve it,'" she said.
In years past, he has raised $2,000 for a PA system for Brewer's little league field and collected donations with the hope none of his classmates would be without snacks at school.
This year, his own birthday plans inspired him.
"I was like, 'OK, well my birthday is right around the corner.' So, figured might as well raise money for birthday cakes because food pantries don't get that a lot," he said.
He reached out to his local grocer, Paradis Shop'n'Save, and asked to leave a donation box inside the store. He also stood outside the store collecting donations for two hours Sunday.
"Well, every time I donate, it feels so good to watch smiles on people's faces," he said. "Seeing smiles on people's faces is really fun."
He is not the only local young philanthropist.
Elizabeth Downs, owner of Eeez Beez, has been selling the honey she collects from her bees for six years and giving the proceeds to charity. Her mom estimates she has given $5,000 away.
On Sunday, she stopped by to drop off $200 worth of cake mix, frosting, and candles.
"Everyone deserves a birthday," she said. "It's good that another kid is getting involved and just giving back."
As of Sunday afternoon, Pillsbury collected over 400 boxes of cake mix, containers of frosting and packets of candles. He also raised $227 dollars which he will use to add to the birthday cake assortment.
Pillsbury plans to continue collecting through Sept. 29. Details for how to give can be found by messaging him on Facebook at D-Max Merch.