Aidan and Kendall Kelly had too much of a good thing — so they decided to share with others.

After hitting the motherload in presents at their sixth birthday party, the twins from Western Springs decided to pick one each and pass on the rest to other children who could use something to make them smile.

Their mother, Julia, suggested Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital as a possible recipient of the gifts. Soon the family was loaded with presents and Aidan, Kendall and their 4-year-old sister, Claire, were off to the hospital’s pediatric unit. Claire, who had celebrated her own birthday a month earlier, decided she too would make a contribution of presents.

Julia Kelly told hospital officials the twins decided there were too many toys to keep for themselves. When she asked what they should do with them, Kendall said give them to children who don’t have any toys.

Hospital spokeswoman Lisa Parro said she and staff were touched by the big hearts of the little twins.

“I’ve told this story to so many of my friends and family,” Parro said. “It’s so wonderful to see such young kids have generous hearts. I hope it not only inspires other kids but other people in the community to see what they could do to help people.”

Michelle Nottoli, a registered nurse who is clinical manager and coordinator of surgical pediatrics, met with the Kellys and accepted more than 30 gifts for pediatric patients July 24.
Calls to the family were not immediately returned.

“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.”