Our lovely and amazing friend of the program Paige Chenault launched her passion project The Birthday Party Project to bring joy to the lives of homeless youth by partnering with shelters to provide birthday parties and gifts for resident children. Every third Thursday, Chenault and a team of volunteers go to a local homeless shelter and throw a party for the kids who have birthdays that month. Each birthday kid gets a hat, badge, present, and individual cake with a candle. The other kids get a piece of sheet cake and participate in the party activities. (For more details about Paige and the organization, read Krista Nightengale’s fantastic article here.) Suffice to say, the simple event brings huge meaning and joy to these kids’ lives. It is a (very) good thing.
This week, the Birthday Party Project is celebrating it’s own first birthday, and what better way to help them celebrate than to get involved…
1) Volunteer at an upcoming party
The next four parties are right around the corner. To volunteer at an event, just submit a background check form, and then email The Birthday Party Project to sign up.
- February 21 Mardi Gras Celebration at Family Gateway (4 Volunteer Spots left)
- February 27 Mardi Gras Celebration at Genesis Women’s Shelter (8 Volunteer Spots left)
- March 21 Spring Celebration at Family Gateway (11 Volunteer Spots left)
- March 27 Spring Celebration at Genesis Women’s Shelter (9 Volunteer Spots left)
2) Join the grass roots #shareyourbirthday campaign
Conceived in partnership with Lovely Little Details, the campaign allows you to share your joy with others on your own birthday by contributing to The Birthday Party Project in some way. Here are a few ideas:
- Purchase supplies from The Birthday Party Project’s wishlist
- Make a financial contribution
- Ask guests attending your party to bring a gift for a child in lieu of presents
- Take your children shopping and let them pick out toys or supplies for others
