Brennan Roden, 7, of Princeton celebrated her birthday with a special party Nov. 4. Instead of asking the guests to bring her presents, Brennan asked them to bring items for the Mitten Tree at her school, St. Louis Grade School in Princeton. It was her mother and father’s idea, but Brennan said she approved of the suggestion, and she still received a few extra gifts like nail polish and hair ornaments. St. Louis’ Mitten Tree is an annual event, and all of the mittens and other winter items go to the Bureau County Health Department for distribution.