MACARTHUR --  Most birthday parties consist of a few simple elements. A child with a birthday, a cake, and a pile of presents, but one party in MacArthur on Monday night will buck traditions as no presents will be opened.

Instead, Ben Bolen, 10, has decided to give them away to the needy for Christmas.

His friends, and a whole lot of parents, were shocked to hear the news. His parents are simply overwhelmed with pride.

“I had to ask him a few times if he was sure,” said Jeff Bolen.

He was, and now a birthday party that started as a few friends and relatives has grown into something much bigger.

On Monday, Dec. 7, the Bolen’s will welcome anyone who cares to celebrate to Ben’s birthday party at the MacArthur Skating Rink. The party will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome as long as they bring a present of some sort for a child in need.

“They don’t get a lot of presents for Christmas so I’m going to let them have all of mine,” said Ben Bolen.

With the help of his parents, Ben will donate all the presents to the West Virginia Department of Human Services Child Protective Services Division. Ben is hoping for a truckload of toys at least, but at this point doesn’t know how many to actually expect.

“Just a whole bunch,” said Ben Bolen.

The effort has gotten so big that drop-off locations have even begun for those who want to help out but don’t want to attend. Calloway Heights Baptist Church and The School of Harmony in Beaver will accept donations through the week from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.