Garden City resident James Murphy marked his 7th birthday in a unique, selfless way. Instead of receiving gifts during his October birthday celebration, he requested that his friends and relatives donate money to Winthrop-University Hospital's Child Life Center. The funds, totaling $1,325, are earmarked for the purchase of new books and other items for the Child Life Activity Center where young patients pass the time during their hospitalization.

"This summer James wanted to visit sick children in a hospital and read to them," his mother, Jeanne Murphy, explained. "I suggested that he could help make their lives better by raising money. He liked the idea of doing just that at his birthday party, and as you can see, he was very successful."

John Broder, vice president, external affairs and development at Winthrop, added, "His kind gesture is a very thoughtful charitable act at his age. It demonstrates a special concern for the well-being of other children. This is a wonderful measure of character for such a young man."

For more information about donating to the Child Life Program at Winthrop, call 663-2761.