Kids & Family

Lemont First-Grader Turns Down Birthday Gifts

...Instead, she wanted money spent on donations to a local charity. Read more about this inspirational little girl.

Lemont resident Layla Topete, 7, is wise beyond her years.  This past summer, she told her parents that she did not want or need any gifts for her upcoming birthday in October.  Instead, she wanted donations to be made to help sick children.  

“We were thrilled and very proud of this decision being made by a soon to be 7-year-old; yet, we weren’t shocked, as this was just a very ‘Layla’ thing to do,” said Layla’s mom, Amie Topete.  “She has always been kind, generous and conscious of those around her and their feelings.” 

Layla and her family began their search to find a local organization that they could assist. A priority in their search was that they wanted to locate a place close to home, so that Layla could visit and see for herself who she would be helping.  After much research, they found Almost Home Kids (AHK) in Naperville.  AHK provides transitional health care in a home-like setting, to children with complicated medical needs, often coming out of pediatric intensive care and many times with life-long medical problems. This interim stay allows time to get their families comfortable with how they will need to be cared for once they go home.  It is an organization comprised of nurses, volunteers, sponsors and donors. 

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Almost Home Kids has a “wish list” of everyday items that are helpful to them in continuing their mission, such as diapers, wipes, DVDs and books.  Donation of these items allows them to spend more dollars on the children and their needs. For her birthday, Layla asked family and friends for donations from the list, in lieu of a birthday gift.

Prior to her October birthday, Layla had the opportunity to visit AHK, tour the facility and meet some of the staff and children.   After an overwhelming response from family and friends, she returned again in early November with over $800 in donations from her birthday.    

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Donating to Almost Home Kids really made me feel good and happy,” said Layla.  “I want to do it again in the future, and I want to keep in touch with them.”

 If you’d like to learn more about Almost Home Kids, please visit www.almosthomekids.net

—Story submitted.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here