Donny was raised in the Shelbyville Orphanage, not knowing who his parents were and unhappy not knowing where his real family is. Donny's most prominent traits are his mischievousness, rebelliousness, disrespect for authority and sharp tongue. Donny was found boxing with a bee hive by Principal Skinner and Superintendent Chalmers at the orphanage when they were looking for a snitch on Bart's plans and they decided to use him as the new snitch.