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Written by Elizabeth Martin
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Tuesday, 15 March 2011 16:51 |
 At the ripe old age of 7, Richie Kraus, of Kingston, became a young philanthropist.
The youth’s novel concept materialized a few years ago, at Christmastime. As Richie and his classmates busied themselves with collecting toys for underprivileged children, it dawned on him that Christmas came but once a year.
But, he thought, what about birthday gifts?
“Mom, what do poor kids do on their birthdays?,” Richie asked his mom.
Inspired by the thought that some children don’t have the means for birthday celebrations, Richie– along with friends and family members– set up the 2U fund with the Luzerne Foundation. It helps children from underprivileged families in Luzerne County enjoy a happy birthday by encouraging other children to forgo some of their birthday gifts so that others can receive them. Monies collected are given to charitable organizations to purchase gifts and birthday treats.
Now 11 years old, Richie continues to take his responsibility seriously, sharing 2U with his friends, even speaking to classes and groups such as a local vacation bible school and a school assembly.
How does it work, you ask?
“For your birthday, you can ask your friends and family to donate money to the 2U fund,” Richie announced recently to a group of children. “That money goes for other kids who wouldn’t otherwise get birthday presents. The best part is, you get to make someone else happy. It feels like a present when you do something good.”
To date, recipients include the Catherine McCauley House and Luzerne County Head Start. 2U seeks nonprofit organizations with children in need of birthday celebrations. Applications should include a letter outlining the need and request amount and should be forwarded to the Luzerne Foundation.
To facilitate gift-giving and donation requests, tribute cards and “in lieu of gifts” stickers are available from The Luzerne Foundation. Children of all ages are encour-aged to participate. For more information, to makea donation, or to learn how your child can participate, contact 2U, a project of The Luzerne Foundation, 140 Main Street, 2nd Floor Luzerne, PA 18709, or call (570) 714-1570. Also: donate online at www.luzfdn.org/2u-fund.html, visit 2u Fund on Facebook, and watch for Richie’s website to launch soon,t www.2ufund.org.
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