Being born three days after Christmas had its advantages when Lauryn Clouden was in elementary school. The gifts under the tree were always plentiful on Dec. 25, then there was cake and more presents on Dec. 28.

But as Clouden got older she realized it was too much. So instead of getting more stuff for her 16th birthday, the Allentown Central Catholic sophomore asked her family and friends to donate money to the Autism Society.

''People kept asking, 'What do you want for your birthday?''' said Clouden, who lives with her family in Kempton and plays junior varsity basketball for Central Catholic. ''I really don't need anything at all. So I thought, Why not give it to charity?''

On Sunday, she did. At a special poolside ceremony at the Swim-in Zone in Upper Saucon Township, Lauryn donated $1,600 to the Autism Society of America, Lehigh Valley Chapter, in honor of her friend, Zachary Urenko, 10, of Lower Macungie Township, who has the condition.

''It's quite an honor that she chose the Autism Society as a recipient for her 'Sweet 16' birthday party,'' said Zachary's mom, Robin Urenko, watching her son and Clouden play in the pool.

The Lehigh Valley Autism Society chapter holds monthly events at Swim-in Zone or another facility to let families of autistic children network and socialize. Traci Cyr, treasurer of the chapter, which serves about 600 families in Lehigh and Northampton counties, said the donation will help pay for such events and also help defray parents' medical and therapy costs for their children.

''Last year we gave out 53 grants at $200 each,'' said Cyr.

The Cloudens and Urenkos are longtime friends and the children developed a close friendship despite their age difference.

''Ever since Zachary was little, he has had a very close and unique relationship with Lauryn,'' said the girl's mother, Barb Clouden. ''Lauryn is one of the few kids he relates to and verbalizes to. He's always connected with in a special way.''

On Sunday, the teenager stretched the connection to others with the help of her sweet gift.

steve.esack@mcall.com 
610-820-6506

Lauryn's final donation was $1746.00

Thanks to Rocco & Tracey Zegalia for being the 1st family to Pay It Foward to ASA-LV!

Rocco's birthday party brought in $1080

It's so important to try to make a difference and we were happy to have an opportunity to show our children how important it is to help others in our community...

Thank you for all of your help...we feel honored to have been able to provide some support to ASALV!

Sincerely,
Tracey Zegalia

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