Bristol boy decides to pay it forward

This 8-year-old is turning his birthday into a gift of games for the veterans’ home 

Posted

For most children, a birthday is one of the happiest days of the year. A happy occasion complete with friends and family, a birthday cake and of course gifts and presents is a hallmark of the quintessential American birthday party. However, one young boy has chosen to celebrate his birthday by making a difference in the lives of others.

Riven Patel, a student at the Melville Elementary School in neighboring Portsmouth, has decided to make a bold decision that most other children his age would never think of — Patel plans to donate any birthday money he receives to the local Rhode Island Veterans' Home Community Living Center on 480 Metacom Avenue. 

Riven turned 9 on Feb. 11. 

When asked why he is making such a big decision, Riven said, “It’s the right thing to do, and what would I even do with all of my presents?” 

Riven stated that the idea first came from his mother, Erin, 39, who believes that after the end of the holiday season and with the number of presents Riven received, it was simply the right thing to do and only made sense. 

“People always seem to donate to pet shelters and other organizations, so we decided to do something different,” Ms. Patel remarked.

Riven and Ms. Patel, both Bristol residents, agreed to to donate to the veterans’ home. Riven was inspired to donate to the home because his grandfather, now 80, served during the Vietnam War. 

According to Ms. Patel, when they asked what the veterans’ home needed most, they were told: board games. Ms. Patel was told that most donors usually donate only during the holiday season and most donations consist of clothes. She said the veterans’ home has an “excess” of clothing.

According to Ms. Patel, she hosted an online fundraiser that eventually drew in support from strangers across the country. She believes that the sharing of the fundraiser through social media was critical to reaching their goal of $200. In the end, they surpassed their goal of $200, amassing $240. Riven requested that guests to his party bring gift cards, cash or buy board games. Riven planned on using the money he receives to buy a variety of board games for the residents of the home. 

He was planning to surprise the residents with the donation of board games on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.