COEUR d’ALENE — Brothers Michael Krapfl and John Patrick Krapfl were in a mini debate Monday at The Press as they discussed their donation to Christmas for All.

“My dad put the money in something that’s really secret,” said 8-year-old Michael.

“It’s in his book,” chimed in 6-year-old JP.

“No, it’s not in the book,” Michael responded.

Little brother refused to concede.

“It is, with the pirate logo,” he said.

The sons of Patrick and Julie Krapfl of Garwood were discussing money because they recently donated a good chunk of their own to The Press CFA.

They earned it the old-fashioned way — working and saving.

They did chores around the house, squirreled away birthday cash and even picked up rocks outside so they could raise money to help others during the holidays.

Each gave $25, while mom and dad pitched in with $50 for each boy, raising their contribution to $75 each and $150 total.

“We’re not just going to give them money to waste on unimportant things,” Patrick Krapfl said.

Patrick said his father often contributed to Catholic charities and CFA. He, in turn, has donated and he encourages his sons to do the same.

When the Krapfls visited The Press to give their donations, the brothers came along to see how it works, that real people are involved in this process, that everything is not automated.

“I want them to experience the actual tangible experience about turning it over,” Patrick said.

They are learning.

The boys recently came to their parents with a request to earn money.

As the family recently put in a shop on their property, there were orange-sized rocks scattered all over.

Pick them up, their dad offered, and he would pay 5 cents a rock. So, for moving 100 rocks, they could earn $5.

The brothers left no rock behind. Well, almost no rocks.

“When they want something we give them a chore like that,” Patrick Krapfl said.

As for what they want for Christmas, Michael named a few things — Nintendo, hover board, and weights less than 10 pounds.

“He’s been wanting to work out,” dad said.

To which Michael added, “I only have one 10-pound weight in the garage. That’s why I want below 10 pounds.”

John Patrick, bouncing around The Press lobby, stopped when he heard his brother.

“I can only lift a one pound,” he said with a grin.