Milo Greenspon of Lemont celebrated  his birthday with a party on Saturday – but rather than asking for toys and games, the 7-year-old encouraged his friends and family to donate to a special cause.

Milo’s generous request helped raise $5,002 to help build the Illinois State Police Memorial Park.

This is not the first time Milo has asked for donations to a special cause in lieu of gifts for himself. In the past, he has raised funds for the Lemont Police Department, Special Olympics Torch Run and Lemont Park District.

This year, Milo and his mom and dad, Steve and Catherine Greenspon, celebrated the youngster’s birthday at Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg with about 150 family members and friends – including Jack Garcia, first deputy director of the Illinois State Police (retired); John Frier, assistant to the senior chairman, Winston and Strawn; and Trooper Sean Morris, Illinois State Police.

“The Illinois State Police Memorial Park, is being built to honor the Illinois State Police officers who have died in the line of duty, giving their lives to protect the citizens of Illinois,” Garcia said. “It’s an extraordinary person that takes a solemn vow and becomes a law enforcement officer. These men and women share in a belief and desire that if they take a stand against the evil and violence in today’s world, they will prevail in making all of our lives safer. Tragically, in their courageous efforts to keep us safe, they lost their own lives. In respect, we owe these officers and their families a huge debt of gratitude.”

According to Milo’s mom, Catherine, some young guests dug deep in to their piggy banks to put together their own donations. Madeline Glotzbach, 7, of Lemont, gave $7 of her own money to help build the park.

“I really like to help Milo out when he has a birthday,” Madeline said. “For my next birthday party, I would like to have fun and ask my friends to make a donation to the memorial park also (like Milo did) instead of getting gifts. It’s awesome.”

Milo’s mom said she and Milo’s dad encourage their son to partner with an organization every year and ask for donations in lieu of gifts.

“I love the troopers,” Milo said. “They are like super heroes. They fight evil. I feel sad [that] there isn’t a park for the troopers that have died fighting for us. My Haba (grandfather) was a police officer. I am so proud of my Haba and all police officers.”

For more information on the Illinois State Police Memorial Park or to make a donation, visit http://www.isp.state.il.us/memorialpark/memorialpark.cfm.

Editor’s note: Information for this story was provided in a press release from Catherine Greenspon.

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