It’s never too early to understand the impact of philanthropy.

Maxx Merlo, age 7, proved that when he recently donated all his savings to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s new NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).

Accompanied by his parents John and Donna Merlo, the young Valencia resident recently presented his donation to Diana Vose, president of the hospital’s Foundation. Henry Mayo held a special significance for the family since Maxx and his sister, Danielle, were both born there.

When he started saving coins from special occasions and his allowance, Maxx knew that he wanted his donation to benefit children in hospitals. Once he heard that the new NICU would soon be open, he was excited to help little babies and decided that he would give his savings to Henry Mayo for our tiniest patients.

“We were looking for something that would make a local impact and the NICU does that,” John said. “I knew about the positive impact Henry Mayo’s Foundation had in the community through local articles. And I knew they must be doing something right.”

John and Donna Merlo encourage their children to give back. When Maxx reached his goal of $110, after a year of saving, John matched it. John passed along to Maxx what he learned from his own father—giving back.

“He started saving about a year ago,” John said. “He was very persistent and saved from several special occasions, and even found some money once.

“He has a giving heart and wanted his gift to make an impact. With the NICU, he understands where his money is going.”

Henry Mayo’s new, 11-bed NICU is scheduled to open in early 2012. Great thought went into the 4,369-square-foot NICU’s design to ensure a high quality, comprehensive continuum of care for all mothers and babies who need extra care, along with a warm, nurturing environment that will meet the needs of our tiniest patients right here in our own community and close to family and friends.

Equipped with leading edge technology and materials to ensure the best care for babies, Henry Mayo’s Level ll NICU will be staffed with a full range of highly specialized neonatal care experts who provide top-quality services and support for the newborns and their parents. For more information or to make a donation, visit henrymayogiving.com.