9-year-old boy wishes for donations for fallen police officer's kids rather than birthday gifts

While other kids might ask for the latest toy or gadget for their ninth birthday, Carson Atkins wished for something bigger and kinder. In lieu of birthday gifts, Carson asked that friends and family donate money to the family of a local police officer that was killed in the line of duty.

"That's what I wanted to be a present," Carson told WDAM.

Carson raised nearly $1,000 for the children of Hattiesburg Police officer Benjamin Deen, who was killed last month.

"That's the Carson that we have raised," Carson's mom April Atkins told WDAM. "He's a very giving child... a very special child."

Members of the Lamar County Sheriff's Department wanted to show Carson their appreciation for his generosity, so they surprised him at his birthday party, presenting him with badges and medals as a way to say thank you. Deen's brother also made an appearance at the party, and surprised Carson with Deen's baseball card collection.

Atkins says her son has always had an appreciation for law enforcement and when he heard about Deen's death, he wanted to do something for the kids that had just lost their dad.

"It was a gift from child to children," Atkins said. "A very selfless gift, and we wish them all the luck and blessings and prayers."