Last week I had the privilege to volunteer with The Birthday Party Project. The mission of TBPP is to provide each homeless child with a birthday and to feel special and celebrated. TBPP does about three parties a month. When I arrived at the shelter you could tell the children knew the drill and started getting excited for the birthdays. One little boy ran up and exclaimed it was his turn! He was one of the birthday boys. There were 3 celebrating that evening, a 4yr. old, 11yr. old, and 20 yr. old. Each received a "personal" present that cost around $30 dollars.
The birthday I worked was a Mardi Gras themed. Each birthday is themed and a little different. Apparently I had missed the 80's dance party.. RATS! I helped the children make masks with feathers and jewels. I helped with glue and markers. I helped make fashionable choices...more pink feathers?? I would say, while bouncing one two year old after another on my hip and trying to hide any emotion other than glee. Immense worry I feel for my new friends.
I cannot express how little these families have. Each family has a room about the size of a college dorm. They hopefully transition from the shelter to small apartments when they become available. This can take up to 10 months or more.
The shelter is loud and overwhelming. The small children like to be picked up and held. Some of the children are anxious to show you things they have made or tell you about their day. The other ones are quite and focused on the crafts.
If you have time please watch the video of a birthday. I am so lucky I got to participate with this amazing organization. Looking forward to my next birthday!
Here is a wish list of items they need:
Party Plates for boys, girls, gender neutral Washable Magic Markers
Party Hats for girls, boys, gender neutral Roll of White Butcher Paper
Napkins for girls, boys, gender neutral Plastic Forks
Plastic Tablecloths for long tables and round tables
Juice Boxes and Bottles of Water
Party Streamers Gift Cards to Sams and Costco for Cakes
Birthday Cards Birthday Candles
Gift Bags (all sizes) Gift Wrap Roll
Ribbon Tissue Paper
Birthday Horns Goody Bags
Small items for goody bags Stamps and Stamp Pads (washable ink)
Party Games Small Crafts
Individual Birthday Cakes Birthday Girl and Birthday Boy Badges