Birthdays, holidays a time for giving for St. Charles family

"People were sleeping with people they didn't know," Justin said. "We felt that these people were in need."

"Then we got the idea of how we could help," Matthew said.

For the past two years, the three Campton Hills brothers have turned their birthday parties into fundraising events for Lazarus House. And, as Christmas approaches, they have a new goal. The boys are going door to door collecting items for the food pantry at St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva. They hope to collect 1,000 items before Christmas.

Last May, when Logan celebrated his 8th birthday, the party raised over $500 for Lazarus House. In August when the twins turned 11, Justin and Matthew followed suit and raised over $1,375 for Lazarus House. Instead of accepting presents for themselves, the boys asked their guests to bring department store gift cards in order to buy items needed by Lazarus House

When they heard about a neighboring family whose teenage daughter had been diagnosed with Lupus, they hosted a second party and raised over $1,200 to help with the family's mounting medical bills.

"We didn't need all those birthday gifts," Justin reasoned. "We thought it would be nice to do something for someone who really needs it."

"Especially when we already have a house," Matthew added.

"We live in a community that is relatively well off," said their mother Laura. "They don't need a lot of things. In the past, what they got (at birthday parties) was overwhelming. And they had a blast buying for Lazarus House."

They are all students at St. Peter School, and they believe the school has been an influence on how to help those who are troubled. Justin and Matthew transferred St. Peter last year from a public school.

"I didn't like it at first, but now I love it," said Justin. "I would encourage others to come here."

"Since we've been members here (at St. Peter), it has changed our focus," Laura said. "We focus on what we should be doing, not what we want."

The family is also involved in helping pack meals for Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, and with the St. Vincent DePaul ministry adopt a family. Logan was the ambassador for his school for the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart program when he raised over $1,000 over two years.

Laura said the boys aren't doing it for recognition, but to provide leadership in getting other children involved.

Still, their contributions have earned them recognition from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and the civic award from the Fox Valley American Red Cross.

"I am proud of the unselfish things they do" Laura said. "We're trying to instill in them the belief that they have a lot to give."