Exclusive: Jon Gosselin Volunteers for Autistic Kids

Celebrity Body September 29, 2009 AT 1:56PM
Jon Gosselin Volunteers for Autistic Kids

Jon Gosselin -- who has been dropped from his TLC show, Jon and Kate Plus 8 -- wants to put his club-hopping reputation to rest.

See photos of Jon vacationing with his girlfriend Hailey Glassman

On Saturday, the reality father of eight, 32, participated in the "Walk Now for Autism Speaks" fundraiser in Philadelphia.

He says he and estranged wife Kate first got involved in autism causes nearly a decade ago.

Take a look at the Gosselin family album

"Kate and I used to babysit an autistic child when we were first married, so I realized firsthand -- albeit on a smaller scale -- the work that goes into creating a safe and happy life for a child with autism," Jon tells Usmagazine.com exclusively. "The experience had a great impact on me."

Another reason volunteering is so important?

"When my youngest children were born, tons of volunteers helped us with food [and] clothing," he tells Us. "Without their aid, we never would have been able to support our family and for that, Kate and I have always been grateful."

Jon adds that while he and Kate, 34, have "made it a point to focus on our family," they also want to help other families so they "can benefit the way that we have."

See what Jon and Kate were up to this summer

He hopes his volunteer work will inspire his eight children -- 8-year-old twins Mady and Cara and 5-year-old sextuplets Aaden, Joel, Collin, Hannah, Leah and Alexis.

"Actions speak louder than words," Jon tells Us. "I believe that participating in charitable endeavors sets a good example for our kids."



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  • October 01, 2009 - 3:09am Anonymous

    On an old episode Jon spoke about his dad passing away. He said that his dad volunteered his time to charity doing dental work on the needy. It's great to see that Jon's dad inspired him to get involved in charitable work. Hopefully the kids will learn this as well from Jon that in real life kindness makes you a better person. Obviously with Kate it's all about the money and stepping on people to get to the top. But, I think she is going to realize that she is going to fall down to the bottom with her nasty ways. Jon is a good natured, easy going, kind hearted person for having to put up with so much of Kate's hate and abuse for ten years. Finally he will be free from the wicked witch. Keep walking Jon and never look back. You're better off without the cold hearted Kate. You only have to be there for your kids. In the old episodes you were and is still the caring parent. Jon good luck and God Bless you and your eight adorable children.

  • September 30, 2009 - 6:58pm Anonymous

    Yes Jon, your ACTIONS have spoken much louder than words since earlier this year!!!!

  • September 30, 2009 - 6:57pm Anonymous

    Yes Jon, your ACTIONS have spoken much louder than words since earlier this year!!!!

  • September 30, 2009 - 4:44pm Anonymous

    LOL, at least JON didn't get BOOED at this event like KATE DID. ALSO, A mother of the Skater DROVE 5 hours in her brand new 2010 SUV all the way to DC to pick up Kate and Steve. Kate REFUSED the ride and rented a LIMO which the organizer had to PAY FOR! Kate then HOGGED the restroom and used it as her dresser. Steve BLOCKED the entrance til Kate was done. When Kate entered the ice ring, SHE WAS BOOED. LOL. No wonder she left EARLy.

  • September 30, 2009 - 3:12pm Anonymous

    Jon is sick. His new lawyer is trying to do damage control, I hope his kids don't take his example of being a father

  • September 30, 2009 - 3:12pm Anonymous

    Jon is sick. His new lawyer is trying to do damage control, I hope his kids don't take his example of being a father

  • September 30, 2009 - 2:23pm Anonymous

    Jon is only doing this to try to get public opinion on his side. He will drop this like he did with his kids for his own personal gain. His girlfriend and free lifestyle which he spends money that should go to the kids. He is an adultous, mean spirted to the mother of his kids, lives 133 miles away from the kids. He could not find a house closer to the kids as they are most important. If he is so interested in the kids, why could he not wait to start dating with the party girl who just got breast implants? Who paid for this surgery??? He needs to become a responsible father and get a job to support himself. I am glad that he was dropped from the series. Yes Kate and Jon had problems but most people will harp on this and forget those who are hurt by the antics of their parents. I hope that Jon will regret his actions. When the little ones get on the computer and start searching hopefully they will not see the dirt that has been stirred up. Jon once said that he did not want to have his kids know what was going on but who provided the news of his actions.

  • September 30, 2009 - 1:55pm Anonymous

    What a fake!

  • September 30, 2009 - 12:46pm Anonymous

    Teacup; Jon had the dogs sent away because KATE DID NOT CARE FOR THESE ANIMALS when Jon was away.Kate had no time for them, so she says. Which, yes, I do believe. But, you still don't neglect 2 animals that you chose to live and be a part of your family. Kate is now convering her tracks and is saying that this is only temporary due to the stress in her life right now, which, once again I understand. But you just don't introduce pets to your kids and then don't be respocible for them and let it be your ex's problem when he is home and pull the the dogs from the kids. She stated from the beginning she doesn't like pets. (to me, this is a sign of a very emotionally disconnected person) She has no connectione to her kids or anyone. It must suck to be alone without any parents or close family to help you thru such a emotional time but, this b*tch did it to herself. She can't have a relationship with anyone because she's too evil spirited of a person.

  • September 30, 2009 - 9:20am Anonymous

    I know that the children Jon Gosselin recently volunteered his time are truly autistic but can someone tell me what mental deficiency plagues Jon?

  • September 30, 2009 - 8:33am Anonymous

    Teacups - I totally agree with everything you said. I, too, had a dear pet who was removed by my parents. It haunts me to this day, and my mother realizes now what a terrible thing she and my dad did to me and my sisters. I have no doubt this will haunt the kids and it will come up at different times in their lives. Jon and Kate should really talk about this and figure out what they need to do to bring those dogs back and make them a PERMANENT member of the family. With all the money they have, they should be able to pay someone to regularly exercise and take care of the dogs. It's the relationship they have with the kids that's important. And, it is laughable how Jon thinks spending a day working with autistic kids is going to in and of itself set a good example for his own kids. He'd be better advised to give his own kids his own undivided attention when he is with them. No more walking to the perimeter of the property to mingle with fans and paparazzi and no more being on the phone constantly when he's with his kids. How about giving them you time, Jon? Your behavior has been preserved for posterity. Do you think your kids are going to balance what they read about what you said about their mother, and how you cheated with a young skank you picked-up at a local bar (Deanna) and then how you moved on to Hailey while also kicking it with Kate 2,0 (who left her job for you) and hiring a nanny you met as a bar wench who you diddled -- with ONE DAY of volunteering very publicly? The only example you've set is how to be a lame lazy cheating self-interested piece of crap. You're off the show and all your exploits have been well publicized -- and now you want to postpone your divorce? No one wants you and Michael Lohan. Who is the target market for the 'divorced dad's club'? Men like that aren't loyal TV viewers and you and Lohan aren't the kind of men others would aspire to be like. You are toast, Jon. And it will only be a matter of time before Hailey goes for her moment of $$ and sells her story.

  • September 30, 2009 - 8:08am Coconutzz

    Not buying it Jon. You must have finally invested in a publicist; all of a sudden you are saying the right things and doing some charity work. Seems like a sham to me. After saying you dispise your exwife on TV, you lost my respect. Your kids are watching you, and so are their friends and their parents. You just showed them you have NO class. And you think by volunteering for charity is setting an example? How 'bout publicly washing your mouth out with soap! You need a spanking!

  • September 30, 2009 - 7:55am Anonymous

    I feel sorry for Jon! He was dumped on by Kate for 10 years, now TLC does the same thing! TLC wants to focus more on Kate, being a single mother! That was her choice, she wanted the divorce! Someone should show her how to be a mother first! The show has been all about Kate since day one! I wish nothing but the best for Jon and the 8!

  • September 30, 2009 - 6:57am Anonymous

    September 29, 2009 - 6:21pm Anonymous Says: his son with the glasses is autistic. Something is definitely wrong with that child. Are you an idiot? There is nothing wrong with that child as you call him. His name is Aiden and he is no diffrent then the other five. What because he has glasses he is diffrent. Get a life you idiot. As far as him cleaning up his act not going to help any now. He has done to much in such a short time.

  • September 30, 2009 - 1:54am n.meaut DeRidder, La

    TOO little TOO lste JON! u should've been a more charitable person to begin with. instead u hanging out with Michael"convict"Lohan and Hailey"want another toke" FREEASSMAN....oops silly me....its Glassman! DUDE U would not get 50 feet from my kids. i bet Kate has nightmares leaving hers in your care.

  • September 30, 2009 - 1:42am n.meaut DeRidder, La

    TOO LITTLE TOO LATE JON> U SHOULDVE BEEN DOING THIS FROM THE GET GO > INSTEAD U SLEAZE AROUND WITH CONVICT LOHAN AND HAILEYGLASSMAN> DUDE I WOULDNT LET U WHITHIN FEET OF MY KIDS!!!

  • September 29, 2009 - 11:37pm Anonymous

    PLzzz Kate is a bipolar bitch that need help . A mom of 3 married 17 yrs. So from a women point of view its all bull she was a bitch. I feel bad for the kids true he mess up but whos to judge him you guys never lived with a crarzy bitch

  • September 29, 2009 - 8:31pm Anonymous

    jon it is to late u had the world and let it go grow up your 22 year old will not want to be a step mom to your kids.. she will make u pick her or the kids.. and guess what i bet u take her.. (it is your turn to grow remember)

  • September 29, 2009 - 8:29pm Anonymous

    You bet Kate cares about money. Someone has to handle the $$ in that house. Good for Kate!! I would not want Jon standing with my organization as he is a lazy bum and when you see him, all it tells me is that he quit drinking and smoking for 5 minutes. He also has had many women. Hey Kevin and Jodi, what do you think now? Your golden boy has been dumped by TLC and he will end up a gutter rat in a couple of years.Hope Kate has already given him his share of the funds, kick him to the curb now, no waiting 90 days, and he can boo hoo in NY.

  • September 29, 2009 - 6:41pm Anonymous

    Way too little, way too late! Jon, you are a joke! If you had a brain in your head you would just lay low for awhile. There is no possible way for you to redeem yourself or repair your public image. At some point your children are going to find out what you have done to their mother and they will hate you for it!

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