Community Corner

Plum Boy Uses Birthday Money to Make Kids' Hospital Stay Easier

Eddie Miller of Plum used his birthday money and gift cards to buy video games for children in the hospital.

Children receiving care at Allegheny General Hospital can enjoy video games thanks to a Plum boy.

Last month, Plum resident Eddie Miller, a sixth-grader at , delivered new Xbox games to the pediatric ward at the hospital. Eddie and his parents, Edward and Christine, purchased the games with money and gift cards he received for his 11th birthday.

Edward Miller said he and his wife suggested to Eddie that he think of children in need as his birthday approached.

Eddie, who loves playing video games in his spare time, chose to support a program called Make Room 4 Kids, an initiative of the Austin's Playroom Project and Mario Lemieux Foundation supported by Virginia Montanez and local Microsoft employees.

After his birthday party, Eddie and his parents used the money and gift cards he received to buy 11 video games—sports, racing, knowledge and family-themed games.

Eddie, along with representatives of the Mario Lemieux Foundation and Microsoft, then delivered the games and installed Xbox units to the pediatric ward. New Samsung TVs also were purchased via the hospital's Pediatric Playroom Fund.

The 11-year-old said he was happy to be a part of the whole process.

"It felt good because the kids got to play video games," Eddie said. "I liked watching the kids get happy and giving them something to do."

Drew Keys, Vice President of Fund Development at Allegheny General, commended Eddie's selflessness.

"All the kids were so touched by him," Keys said. "It's great to watch a child honored by another. Eddie is a special kid."

Eddie's parents also were more than pleased with the experience.

"This was right up Eddie's alley because it incorporated things he loves to do," Edward Miller said.

Christine Miller agreed.

"It's easy to donate money, but this process allowed Eddie to see how he was contributing," she said. "I think he got enjoyment out of spending time with the kids, and I hope he can go back.

"This was a very humbling experience for all of us. It really made an impact."

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