Last night dozens of kids got together and celebrated Ashley Siegel's birthday at the John Lindell Ice Arena in Royal Oak, and instead of bringing presents, they brought food, toys, and other items for the dogs and cats of the Royal Oak Animal Shelter.

Today, Oct. 6, would have been Ashley's 12th birthday.

Ashley, and her brother Jordan, 14, were tragically killed in a crash along southbound U.S. 23 in Pittsfield Township on June 22.

"Ashley and Jordan loved pets, so we wanted to do something for animals," said Christie Siegel, the mother of the siblings.

Lindell donated the rink and Ashley's friends, classmates and teammates got to skate for free provided they brought an item for the shelter. Skaters nearly filled a room with pet supplies in honor of the young girl.

"I'm having fun, but I have been crying the whole time," said Falon Davis as she snapped pictures with her cellphone of photographs of her former classmate in a room filled with cupcakes and treats for partygoers.

"We sat next to each other in a science class (at Royal Oak Middle School) and we used to get in trouble for talking."

The girls also used to sing "that song Alfalfa sings to Darla in the 'Little Rascals' movie," Falon said, "Whenever I hear it, it makes me think of Ashley and how she was."

The song she is referring to is "You Are So Beautiful" written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher.

You are so beautiful to me
Can't you see?
You're everything I hope for
You're everything I need
You are so beautiful to me

RELATED

•  Community Gathers to Mourn Jordan and Ashley Siegel of Royal Oak
• Royal Oak Mom Remembers Children Who Died in Rollover: ‘My Kids Were My Life’
• VIDEO: Balloons Released in Honor of Royal Oak Siblings