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They raised $1,000 by organizing a neighborhood spaghetti dinner.

Now, after the devastating events in Japan, they hope to double that amount.

When you first meet Nathan and Charlie Schaff you notice two things; their incredible energy and their compassion for others.

Helping others comes naturally to Charlie and Nate.

“Last year after the earthquake in Haiti we were sitting at dinner and Charlie said we need to make money so we can build houses in Haiti,” said mother Jennie Schaff.

"After Japan we were at dinner and talking and Nathan said I think we should do a spaghetti dinner for Japan. It was really their idea."

The brothers organized the events. Friends and neighbors helped cook and serve. The money they raise will go to Shelter Box, a company which provides emergency shelters and supplies for families affected by disasters.

The Schaff’s come from a long line of socially active people.

"My mom, my grandparents we're all very socially aware, socially conscious, social activists. It’s everything in the world that I try to instill in my kids," said Jennie Schaff.

Jennie, a professor at Nazareth College, has an interesting perspective on youth and social activism.

"A lot of times their college years is the first time they're introduced to voluntarism, to social action and the greater good. They get this incredible momentum but before they know it they graduate and they're on to their careers. so my goal is to maximize on these young kids, get that momentum going, because if they can start it young then they're not graduating from college for a long time. What then could be done?"

Jennie hopes to put these ideas in a book someday, until then...

“I have kids who are six and nine who care about other people. So I don't care how tired I am and I hope to always find the energy for something like this if this is initiated by them.”