Boy donates birthday presents to local Wellness Community

REGIFTING FOR GOOD—James Clark, 12, of Agoura Hills prepares his birthday gifts for donation to the Kids Circle, a support group at the Wellness Community. James wanted to use his gifts to bring joy to children who have a family member battling cancer. For the Clarks, giving back is a family affair.

As his parents, Roger and Kathy, were busy preparing their Agoura Hills home for the Holiday Homes Tour to benefit The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, a local cancer support organization, their son James decided he wanted to help in his own way.

James' 12th birthday party was coming up, but he knew he didn't need a bunch of new toys, so he decided to donate all his birthday presents to Kids Circle, a support group at The Wellness Community for children who have a family member with cancer.

On Dec. 23, James and his parents presented their donation to the Kids Circle group and spent the afternoon with them, baking cookies and getting to know the kids, some of which are the same age as James.

"I wanted James to absorb what goes on in the group and see how this donation will help kids who are experiencing a crisis in their families," Kathy Clark said. "I hope through meeting the kids he'll see that solving a problem isn't just about giving money—it's about sharing love and the goodness of your heart."

So what did James' friends think about his donation idea? "They actually thought it was pretty cool," said James.

His mother said the parents were more surprised than the children. "I got many calls from parents who were really moved and wanted to know if there was anything else they could do to help," the Clarks said. "It really opened their eyes to the fact that there is this group at The Wellness Community that is helping these kids through a scary time in their lives."

Roger Clark's first wife died of breast cancer when his son, now 23, was only 2 years old.

"I think this experience will help James understand what his older brother had to deal with as a little boy," said Kathy Clark.

Earlier this month, the Clarks opened their home to the public for the 17th annual Holiday Homes Tour, helping to raise funds for The Wellness Community's programs of emotional and education support for people with cancer and their families.

Having seen firsthand how his family's decision to open their home made a real difference in his community, James hopes his donation will do the same.

"I would like my gifts to give the kids a mix of joy and just taking their minds off things so they can have fun," he said.