Newton youths use birthday gifts to help hospital patients

A trio of local youngsters recently decided to make their birthdays a special event for kids at Skiff Medical Center.

Clay Trotter and Logan and Luke Zaabel hosted a birthday party attended by more than 30 friends. The guests were asked, instead of bringing a gift for the boys, to bring DVDs in new or good condition. These DVDs would then be donated to Skiff so that pediatric patients could enjoy the entertainment during their hospitalization.

The three boys brought the DVDs in last month and personally presented them to CEO Steve Long, who then enjoyed a treat of ice cream with the generous young men.

“We appreciated this opportunity to teach our children about good citizenship,” said Pam Zaabel, Logan and Luke’s mother. “The boys have enjoyed the experience. Being able to eat ice cream with Mr. Long was more than they had hoped for. His interest in the boys’ project was inspiring.”

Children who attended the party included:

Austin Kennedy, Bauston VanSickle, Brennen Dodd, Brock Jordan, Cael Kellogg, Caity Antle, Chaison Loupee, Clay Trotter, Dalton Altemeier, Daniel Townsend, Gage Bakalar, Gage Linahon, Jace Dunsbergen, Jarrett Antle, Joe Stammeyer, Julian Hotchkin, Keith Steinbach, Lane Rose, Logan Heisdorffer, Logan Zaabel, Luke Zaabel, Madison Noe, Michael Kruse, Nathan Tremel, Noah Hammer, Paul Maharry, Peyton Patterson, Reagan Maple, Ryan Barr, Taryn Lovan, Tate Osborn, Tyler Stanton