FARMINGTON — Nine-year-old Maggie Noles invited classmates at her school, Smart Fun Learning Adventures, and other friends, to join her at the No Parents Allowed Clubhouse to celebrate her birthday.

Noles designed her own invitations and asked, in lieu of presents for herself, that friends bring donations for the Franklin County Animal Shelter. She began planning several months ago after reading a story about how kids can help their communities.

Noles made plans with her grandmother, Lynette Hinkley, to make catnip mice that her friends could take home for their own animals or leave for her to bring to the shelter. Hinkley also made a panda bear cake and cupcakes to match the animal rescue theme.

Noles is hoping to inspire other people in her community to think of others and do something to give back to  people and animals.

Everyone can help do something, Noles said.

Maggie Noles, third from left, back row, gathers with her friends during her ninth birthday party in Farmington. Here guests are, from left, back row, Amaya Thomas, Tucker, Maggie Noles, Devon Tanner, Johnathan Crocker, Quinn Ryan, Dylan Hinkley, Adam Crocker, Rory Whitmore and Emma Hinkley; second row, Phoebe and Tori Wills, Gracelyn Noles, Owen Hamlin, Calvin Tanner and Mason Wills; and, sitting on floor, Ava Ryan and Kensley Malcore.

Maggie Noles’ grandmother Lynette Hinkley helps children Noles and her friends make catnip mice for their own pets and for cats at the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Noles collected donations for the shelter in lieau of birthday gifts during her Farmington party. The children are, clockwise from Hinkley, Gracelyn Noles, Devon Tanner, Ava Ryan, Amaya Thomas, Maggie Noles and Emma Hinkley.