BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — It was a story that caught the attention of the mayor of Birmingham and hundreds more. For the second year in a row, an EPIC Elementary student will opt for a less traditional birthday party at the Firehouse Shelter. 

Sydney Coney is turning 10 this weekend and just as she did last year, she’s spending her birthday feeding people in need. 

It was a decision that caught the attention of Mayor Randall Woodfin last year.

This year, she’s choosing the chef’s hat, and cooking utensils instead of balloons and cake. 

“I’m not doing nothing really special because I feel so bad for the homeless, they can’t do nothing special so I’m not going to do anything special,” said Coney. 

With the help of her family, Sydney will prepare a full lunchtime feast on Saturday for people at the Firehouse Shelter.