Instead of presents, the Oshawa boy had requested that everyone who attended the bash bring snacks, which will be donated to the after-school program offered by Oshawa's Eastview Boys and Girls Club.

About 55 kids showed up for the party and Jake's mom Jill says they collected between 10 and 15 baskets of snacks.

It's not the first time Jake has used his birthday as a way to help others.

This is the sixth year he has received food in lieu of gifts. In past years, the donations have gone to local agencies like Simcoe Hall Settlement House or the Durham Region Humane Society.

"We've always done it so he doesn't miss the gifts," Ms. Moores says. "It's the other parents that are the obstacles, they're worried that he'll be upset if they don't bring a gift."â?¨ But Jake was all smiles for his ball hockey tournament party last Friday night -- especially when former Toronto Maple Leaf Rob Pearson showed up get in on the hockey fun.

The just turned seven-year-old said all that matters to him is "having fun with his friends" and "helping poor people."â?¨ Jake, who is also an Oshawa This Week carrier, plans to keep up his food in lieu of gifts tradition for future birthdays.