HOLIDAYS Boy finds it better to give than receive

The 13-year-old donated birthday gifts saying he already has plenty.
CANFIELD -- With the holiday season upon him and his birthday coming up, Joey Sabatine pondered having a big party with his friends and relatives and a mountain of presents.
But after thinking also about underprivileged children, Joey, a big-hearted boy who will turn 13 today, changed his birthday party plan in the spirit of the season by deciding to give his presents to the needy.
"I felt I had enough gifts and things already," Joey said, reflecting on children less fortunate than himself. "I really wanted to donate my presents to charity."
Party
The boy, who lives on Pebble Beach Court, had his big party Saturday evening with about three dozen friends from Canfield Village Middle School, where he attends seventh grade, and several of his cousins as guests. The party, complete with cake, food and music, took place in the back room of Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center on South Avenue Extension in Boardman. It was chaperoned by his parents and eight other adults.
While his guests ate cake and listened to music played by a disc jockey, Joey marveled at the pile of unwrapped presents his guests had brought to share the joy of the holiday season with children ranging from infancy to age 13.
While his friends and relatives brought many gifts, others were donated by several department stores after they learned about the party's purpose.
The donations from stores in Boardman included four big dolls from Toys "R" Us; five special toys from Kohl's; a joystick from Best Buy; and school supplies from Staples. Also, the Wal-Mart stores in Boardman and Niles each donated a bicycle.
Toys for Tots
Jody Sabatine, Joey's mother, said the gifts will be donated to Toys for Tots, a charitable organization with an office on Glenwood Avenue in Youngstown. They will be distributed through the Salvation Army to underprivileged children in Mahoning County.
"About 5,000 parents, representing 2,800 children, applied in October to Toys for Tots to receive gift donations during the holiday season," Sabatine said.
She said she hopes Joey's gifts will bring some of them happiness.