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Rick Barbero
Gift of giving
Youngster to celebrate birthday by giving Christmas to others
While the majority of fifth-graders are busily compiling a wish list of the season’s best-selling toys, Ben Bolen says he has only one wish this year.
Turning 11 years old Monday, Bolen wants to celebrate his birthday by giving Christmas to others.
“People were asking what I wanted for my birthday,” Bolen explained, “and when I started thinking about it, I just decided I wanted to give my presents to the kids that don’t get a lot of stuff for Christmas.”
Bolen said he selected the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources as the organization to donate to.
“It really started as a small party with a few of his classmates bringing gifts,” Ben’s father, Jeff Bolen, said. “Then it just kept getting bigger and bigger as we went down the list, and continued to grow from there.”
The fifth-grader said he has invited friends and family from his class at Hollywood Elementary School, church and 4-H.
With over 200 guests already invited, the Bolens have now decided to open the party at the MacArthur Skating Rink to the public.
“There could be 20 kids and there could be 200, but we will be ready,” Jeff Bolen said.
“I’m really excited,” Ben Bolen continued. “I hope everybody shows up because I want to be able to give lots and lots of gifts.”
The skating party is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, and each child skating is asked to bring one gift. The toys should be wrapped and labeled for a boy or girl and the appropriate age. They will be placed in a large box at the front door.
Bolen says he hopes the boxes will be overflowing, but those who cannot attend the party are welcome to donate gifts at drop-off locations.
Toys can be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Calloway Heights Baptist Church at 132 Rural Acres Drive, Beckley. There will also be a drop box located at the School of Harmony at 159 Granby Circle, Beaver.
The Bolens said they are especially grateful to have sponsors, such as Attic Heirlooms and American Quality Imaging, assisting them in getting snacks and drinks and helping out with drop-off locations.
“Ben has always been good-hearted and giving,” his mother, Valeria Bolen, added, “but the fact that he chose to do this on his birthday touches my heart.”
“Please open your heart and mind and join Ben in putting others first this Christmas. Come join the fun.”
The gifts will be donated next Friday, just in time for Christmas.
— E-mail:
cclark@register-herald.com
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