Twelve Year Old Founder of "The 2u Fund" Stops By Eyewitness News

Kraus started the fund when he was seven years old. It grew from a question he posed one holiday season, when he was collecting toys for children from under-privileged families through his school and community. Realizing that Christmas comes but once a year, he asked his mother, "What do poor kids do on their birthdays?" Inspired by the thought that some children don't have the means for birthday celebrations, the little boy, his friends and family set up the 2U Fund at the Luzerne Foundation.

The 2U Fund has been created so that children from families without means in Luzerne County can have a happy birthday. Not only does 2U provide funds for children from low-income families, it encourages other children to participate in philanthropy by foregoing some birthday gifts so that other children can receive them. Money collected is given to charitable organizations to purchase gifts and birthday treats.

To facilitate gift giving and donation requests, tribute cards and 'in lieu of gifts' stickers are given. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate in this easy, meaningful, philanthropic endeavor.

Kraus, who will become bar mitzvah (coming of age ceremony in the Jewish religion) this year, is promoting participation in the 2u Fund as part of his 'mitzvah' (good deed) project. Rabbi Roger Lerner, spiritual leader of Temple B'nai B'rith in Kingston will also be speaking to the students.

More information is available at www.2ufund.org or 2u Fund on Facebook.