May 27, 2006
Section: Scottsdale Republic North
Edition: Final Chaser
Page: 4

HOMELESS KIDS BENEFIT FROM OTHERS' BIRTHDAYS
Monica Frescas, The Arizona Republic

Birthday parties used to mean lots of presents for 9-year-old Amelia Montooth and her 6-year-old brother, Christopher. But now instead of gifts, the Montooth children ask that all birthday presents, and even money donations, be given to Family Promise, a non-profit agency that helps homeless families. "It feels really good; you know somebody else will have more stuff because of you," said Amelia, a third-grader at Phoenix Country Day School.

Their father, Andrew Montooth, said his children became involved with Family Promise four years ago through their church, St. Barnabas on the Desert in Paradise Valley. As part of the Family Promise program, area churches host homeless families for a week. The Montooth children played with the homeless children visiting their church and getting to know them made them want to help. Andrew Montooth believes that experience helped develop compassion in his children. "This is something you can't teach," he said.

Two years ago the two kids -- first Amelia and then Christopher -- began donating their toys, stuffed animals, dolls and books. Andrew, who works for Insight, and his wife, Serena, an attorney, both said seeing their children donate their birthday gifts is rewarding. Serena says they don't talk about it that much. "To them, it's natural," she said. "They have a newfound appreciation for what they have."

Phyllis Banucci, who sits on the Family Promise board of directors, said the Montooths, who live in Scottsdale, are a family with a good value system. "How many kids do you know that would give up their birthday presents?" Banucci asked.

Andrew and Serena didn't always take their children's wishes to donate seriously. Andrew said Amelia became interested in donating her "stuff" to the non-profit group a couple of years ago when she was cleaning her room and he asked her what she was going to want for her seventh birthday. "I have too much stuff, I don't want anything," Andrew recalled Amelia told him. Andrew said it was hard to take her seriously at such a young age. "After that birthday we came home with armloads of toys," he said, "We regretted it."

Before her eighth birthday, Amelia again said she wanted to give away her gifts. This time, Andrew and Serena granted her wish and made a donation to Family Promise. By her ninth birthday Amelia really wanted to give more to the group. She even gave $200 of her own money, saved from her allowance.

"It's sad ... Kids find every three months or so a stuffed animal that had never been touched or still had the tags on it," Andrew said, "As parents we do everything to protect them, to give them the best (and) by the time they're 12, you've spoiled them."

Amelia inspired her brother, Christopher, to do the same for his sixth birthday.He even asked his parents to move his birthday party into the school year to increase the number of kids who would donate. Christopher gave $100 of his own money to Family Promise. The money was half of what he had saved from his allowance. Andrew said that although his kids are adamant about donating on their birthdays, their parties still include a few gifts. "It's the grandparents; they cannot be persuaded. They give presents and write checks," he said.

 

Family Promise

Mission: The non-profit organization is part of a national network of congregations that provides meals, shelter and life-skills training for homeless families. They can host up to four or five families at a time. There are 119 centers nationwide.

Location: 546 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix.

Contact: (602) 294-0222.

Family Promise is seeking volunteers at its day center in data entry, fund-raising and general office help.