Birthday Blessings

Did you catch the article in today's Charlotte Observer about the nonprofit Birthday Blessings, which provides parties and presents for homeless children in Charlotte? What a great concept. I know that there were many times in my own life that I felt like I didn't fit in or had the wrong clothes or didn't know that you were supposed to bring a treat to share... imagine what it must be like for homeless children.

The Observer's website-for-moms, MomsCharlotte.com, sponsors a big party to benefit Birthday Blessings on Sunday (April 26) at Oogles-n-Googles in downtown Pineville. Click here for the details. The party is free, but you are strongly encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for a child to contribute to Birthday Blessings. (As an aside, I think this website is doing good things!)

Here is a statement from the founders:

Birthday Blessings began as a family outreach project in the fall of 2005, with a desire to bring happiness to underprivileged children while also providing a meaningful and hands-on service opportunity for our own young children. As we considered how we could work together to help make a difference in our community, we began thinking about homeless children and the sadness and emotional challenges they face. Knowing how important birthdays are to our family, we decided to help homeless children celebrate their birthdays; an idea built upon the belief that every child, no matter the circumstances, deserves an opportunity to feel the joy and value of being recognized on his or her special day. Today, with the help of numerous volunteers and supporters Birthday Blessings continues to grow, bringing joy and support to hundreds of homeless children every month.

~Amy & John Cervantes, founders


I think that sums up how we all feel about passing along a sense of joy AND responsibility to our own families. I really admire the Cervantes for going the step beyond and creating such an ambitious program.

Birthday Blessings provides monthly parties at the following locations: Salvation Army Center of Hope, Charlotte Emergency Housing, The Shelter for Battered Women, Blessings in the Storm, Turning Point of Union County, The YWCA, and Hall House. Additionally, Birthday Blessings partners with A Child's Place to provide classroom parties and gifts for homeless children within the CMS system (2,749 as of March 2009).

Birthday Blessings is always looking for volunteers, in-kind sponsors, and underwriters. What a great program to partner with for your own child's party--have each child bring a gift for a homeless child! And for all those adult birthday parties where you put "your presence, not your presents, required"--ask for a gift for a child instead!

To go one step further, consider these volunteer opportunities: for $35, be a Classroom Party Sponsor; Adopt-a-Party at a shelter, providing decorations, food, cake, and goody bags for all attendees; create a Themed Party-in-a-Box with your Sunday School class or book club (or whatever) to present to a shelter group for one of the monthly parties.

This paragraph (about volunteering at the Birthday Blessings offices) sold me right here. I think it really speaks to the "it takes a village" aspect of this program:
The Birthday Blessings office is a family-friendly environment. Young children are welcome and encouraged to come and volunteer alongside a parent. For our youngest little "helpers" we also have a dedicated playroom. At-Home moms who are looking for some volunteer work are welcome to bring their little ones along!

To Do: Visit the Birthday Blessings website. Count your own blessings.