Nash and Grandpa build joy for all the right reasons

Nash Hostetler knows what it’s like for children to go through the rigors of the unknown when dealing with visits to Akron Children’s Hospital, because Nash is one of those children.

Having seen firsthand the joy that comes when compassionate people provide gifts to children at ACH, Nash turned a moneymaking idea into a gift to other children who were experiencing the fear of the unknown as patients at ACH.

A grandfather’s skill in woodworking, an opportunity for grandson and grandfather to spend quality time together, and a desire to touch the lives of others made a Christmas project special.

Nash’s grandfather Dave Hostetler has been tinkering with woodworking projects in his basement for many years. Having grown up in the family business at Hostetler Cabinet Shop, it has come naturally to him, and he is passing that joy along to Nash.

When Hostetler tossed out the idea of the two of them building a series of wooden marble rollers and selling them and splitting the proceeds 50/50 this past Christmas, Nash was all in, knowing simply spending time with his grandfather would make it well worth the effort.

However, Nash’s thoughts of financial gain veered from keeping the money and turned instead to helping others.

“I’ve been a patient at Akron Children’s before with seizures, and I’ve seen the impact getting gifts has on children and how it puts them at ease,” Nash Hostetler said. “I asked if rather than keeping the money we made, if we could put the proceeds toward the purchase of toys for other kids at Akron Children’s Hospital.”

Talk about a moment that will warm a grandfather’s heart.

“Originally, Nash said since I was purchasing all the wood, we should go 60/40, but I said, ‘Nope, we’re partners, and we will go 50/50,’” Dave Hostetler said. “Then Nash comes up with the idea of using the proceeds for the children at Akron Children’s Hospital. I couldn’t have been prouder of him, but then again, thinking about the well-being of other people is pretty much Nash’s heart.”

The two hunkered down in the basement workshop and got down to business, crafting eight large marble rollers built out of poplar wood purchased at Keim. Dave Hostetler cut out the pieces, and Nash helped assemble and sand them, but most importantly, they got to do it together.

“It’s great because we shared plenty of conversations about life, what he wants to be when he grows up and about faith,” Dave Hostetler said. “I have such great memories of spending time with my own grandpa, and things like this or spending time golfing or fishing are precious.”

“I always love when we build stuff together,” Nash Hostetler said, “or even if we just come over to eat. It’s fun just spending time together.”

Once built, they put on their salesmen hats and set about selling the games for $125 apiece on Facebook. They sold quickly, and when people heard why they were doing it, some were quick to provide matching funds, so the duo raised $2,200.

The fun continued with a shopping spree at Target.

Nash Hostetler located a patient wish list for children at ACH, and that gave them a guideline of what to buy.

The profits turned into Fisher Price toys, games, blankets, books, LEGOs, art supplies and even Nintendo Switch games for children experiencing the angst of having to visit the hospital.

Nash Hostetler was able to purchase enough gifts to fill three large shopping carts.

The bounty was of such magnitude that it blew away the hospital’s volunteers, who accepted the gifts.

“I got a note from them, and they were freaking out because they weren’t expecting that much,” Nash Hostetler said. “They came out with a cart that would have held about a quarter of the things we brought them.”

“They couldn’t believe the quality of the toys,” Dave Hostetler said. “They told us these would all be primary toys for the kids because they were really nice gifts that kids wouldn’t usually get.”

Nash’s mother Arryn Hostetler said her son has recognized the power of giving during his time at ACH and has had a heart to do so whenever possible.

“I enjoy helping others, especially knowing I’m helping kids who are sad they are in the hospital,” Nash Hostetler said. “Knowing I’m making them feel better makes me happy.”

Dave Hostetler said when they were finished building the games, they prayed over them that they might bring joy to the children whose lives they would impact.

Thus, the return trip to Akron Children’s Hospital was a much more joyful occasion for Nash Hostetler, knowing a selfless act of compassion was making a wonderful impact on each child’s life.

Nash Hostetler is a sixth-grader and is the son of Brock and Arryn Hostetler.