Teen gives back

While many kids his age are hoping for video games or a new cell phone for their birthday, this wasn't the case for 13-year-old Kaden Weber.

The seventh grade student at Whitehall Middle School instead asked for something much more valuable that in turn showed the true spirit of giving. Rather than wanting presents on his December 31st birthday, Kaden asked friends and family members for money which he is donating to Reed's Rescue and Rehabilitation, a local non-profit animal service.

Kaden said the biggest factor in making the donation was his love of animals. His favorite thing about animals is how loving dogs and cats can be, but he also enjoys animals like lizards and snakes.

Looking to the future, Kaden wants to be a veterinarian and will continue to raise money for animals.

Patti Reed of Reed's Rescue said she was nearly in tears when she heard about what Kaden was doing. She said rather then spend it on video games, he did something far more valuable.

"I thank him so much for such an unselfish act. That made my holiday," she said.

Reed found out about what Kaden had planned after talking with his mother Tayla Andrews. Reed said Andrews told her that Kaden had learned at church that it is much better to give than to receive, and wanted to do something for his upcoming birthday.

Reed said Andrews told her Kaden had initially received $100, but the number kept growing after people heard of his intentions with his birthday money. Kaden said Tuesday afternoon the total has now reached $140.

Reed plans to use the money for medical expenses, which she said is the biggest financial need for the service.

"It's huge," she said about the donation."