Jackson Free Press

Preston DiFatta seems wise beyond his 10 years in his ability to see unfairness and his desire to do something about it. His father, Anthony DiFatta, proudly says, "He's one of the most generous people I know." That generosity led the younger DiFatta to start what's become an annual birthday tradition of giving to others, instead of receiving gifts for himself.

The year Preston turned 6, Anthony—an artist and art instructor—was teaching classes once a week at Stewpot Community Services for members of Jackson's homeless population. Preston had met some of the class participants and, as his birthday approached, told his mom, "I want to give my birthday money to the place where dad works." A classmate of Preston's had donated her birthday money to the zoo, and Preston says he decided he wanted to do the same thing, but to help people. After his mother, Melissa, ensured that he knew that meant he wouldn't get any presents for himself, the DiFattas agreed.

Four years later, the tradition continues. This year, Preston's birthday celebration included a party for friends at the Mississippi Museum of Art, complete with a tour of the current "Old Masters to Monet" exhibition led by his dad, followed by a class, where party attendees could create a painting to take home. But, unlike most 10th birthday parties, the invitation instructed guests that in lieu of gifts, Preston requested donations for Stewpot.

After his birthday, Preston delivers the donations to Stewpot in person, usually at chapel or lunchtime. Last year, he presented the money at a memorial service for Bob, a homeless man Preston befriended who spent the last several Christmases with the DiFatta family. Preston met Bob when he started coming to do chores around the DiFatta's house after taking some of Anthony's art classes, and Preston quickly struck up a friendship with him. He speaks fondly of his friend and how he was in school and about to graduate when he passed away from a stroke. Going forward, Preston wants his gifts to be in Bob's memory.

The young DiFatta feels strongly about helping the less fortunate, the homeless population in particular. He finds it unfair for them to be without basic necessities. "It feels bad to just drive by without doing anything," he says. His generosity isn't limited to a once-a-year gift, either; last year, he contributed paintings to the annual Luck of the Draw fundraiser for the YMCA.

DiFatta also enjoys chess—he was the fourth-grade champion in Madison, where he attends Madison Station Elementary—and piano. He also looks forward to traveling with his family. This summer, they took a trip to California.