La Grange
– Put most 6-year-olds in a room full of birthday presents and they’d unwrap
the pile faster than you can say “Webkinz.” Aidan and Kendall Kelly, however,
aren’t most 6-year-olds. After their birthday party, the Western Springs twins looked
at the carload of presents – gifts from their kindergarten classmates – and
thought there were just too many to keep for themselves. Their mom, Julia
Kelly, asked the little ones what they wanted to do with their toys.
“We should give them away to kids who don’t have
toys,” Kendall answered. She and her brother
turned six April 2 and are entering first grade at Field Park Elementary School in Western Springs.
The family thought of some local
charities that would benefit from such a donation when Julia suggested Adventist La Grange Memorial
Hospital. Aidan and
Kendall each chose one present from their birthday party and packed up the rest
to deliver to the hospital’s pediatric unit, where they will be distributed to
patients. Even their 4-year-old sister, Claire, donated a few presents from her
March 12 birthday.
On the way there, Aidan was
unusually quiet, prompting his mother to ask if he was having second thoughts.
“No,” he replied. “I know these
toys are going to kids who need them more than we do.”
More than 30 presents will benefit
the hospital’s pediatric patients. Michelle Nottoli, RN, clinical manager/coordinator
of surgical pediatrics, accepted the gifts on behalf of the unit on July 24.
“We are so thankful to the Kelly
family for their generosity,” Nottoli said. “To make an adult decision at such
a young age speaks volumes about these little ones and their parents. We only
hope that more kids would follow their example by giving back to their
community.”
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Adventist Midwest Health includes Adventist
Bolingbrook Hospital, Adventist
GlenOaks Hospital,
Adventist Hinsdale
Hospital and Adventist La Grange
Memorial Hospital.
To find a physician, visit www.keepingyouwell.com.