By general world standards, many of us fall guilty to overindulging our children. No matter how much you might try to avoid spoiling your child, it’s easy to do. I know I fight the constant battle between wanting to give my child special treats and a nice life and not wanting to set his expectations too high.
Especially coming off of last month’s holiday binge, some of you might be scratching your head and trying to figure out, “How can I teach my children to give back?”
Have you heard of The Birthday Party Project? The local non-profit organization focuses on throwing birthday parties for homeless children who may have never had their own annual celebration.
Several times a month, area parties are thrown for children ranging as young as one year old and up to eighteen years old. Many of these children live with their parent in shelters and The Birthday Party Project honors each birthday kiddo with a hat, a badge, a present, and their own cake.
The parties range in theme and cost around $150 to put together, plus an additional $30 present per honoree.
I volunteered at a party last month and children participated in Christmas-themed crafts and games before visiting with a special visitor from the North Pole. I especially bonded with the mother of a one-year-old girl. The mother was so grateful to stop and celebrate her daughter’s first life and told me she never imagined a party so grand after a particularly rough start for the little girl.
How can you get involved?
1. Throw a party. Talk to your child. Maybe they are at an age where they would consider donating their own party this year to other children in need. Or maybe you want to donate YOUR birthday this year to The Birthday Party Project. Email [email protected] for more information.
2. Volunteer. The Birthday Party Project recommends children be at least 4 years old (or old enough to actually work and not need your constant attention while YOU are working). You can also grab a group of your friends and come volunteer without your younger children! For upcoming volunteer opportunities, email Arden Ellis at [email protected]
3. Donate. The Birthday Party Project has an online wishlist where you can donate supplies needed for future parties. Monetary donations are also accepted. Email [email protected] to do so.
4. Party on January 18th. The Birthday Party Project is celebrating their own second birthday this year with an 80s-themed party featuring the awesome cover band, The Spazmatics. Tickets are $75 and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the non-profit. For more information, go here.
To learn more about The Birthday Party Project, visit their website here.
Have you participated in a Birthday Party Project party before?
Share your thoughts or comments!
