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Photo by Lynne0319If you've ever endured the birthday party gift-ripping massacre, which ends in a mountain of toys that you wonder how you'll ever fit into the house (and really, how many of us haven't endured or witnessed this?), then you might want to consider a charitable birthday party this year. That's right. You can turn your child's birthday into a gift for another child in need.
Lisa Novick, cofounder of YesKidzCan!, is here today with two great ideas for charitable birthday parties.
Turn Your Kid's Birthday Party Into a Gift for Others
By Lisa Novick, cofounder of YesKidzCan!, the place that brings "giving experiences" into young kids lives.
If you're looking for a unique theme for your kid's birthday party, here are two suggestions for turning your child's party into a gift for others.
My Stuff Bags Foundation
Consider supporting a wonderful organization called the My Stuff Bags Foundation. This group provides children who have been rescued from uncaring and even harmful households with new belongings packed in their very own "My Stuff" duffel bags. These bags include clothes, toys, books, and other items including a warm, colorful "security" blanket. These items help ease the children's transition to shelters where caring people keep them safe. Your party participants can make the easy "no-sew" blankets included in the duffel by using the simple instructions found on their website. Or, kids can bring a new, unwrapped children's item for a boy or girl to donate to Foundation. (Visit their website for delivery instructions.) A birthday that focuses on bringing the comforts of home to children in an unfamiliar environment is truly a party worth having.
Birthday Wishes
Another great way for kids to transform their birthday celebration is by choosing to support Birthday Wishes as the theme of their own party. Birthday Wishes is an organization that brings birthday parties to children living in homeless shelters. Recognizing that all children deserve to celebrate their birthdays joyfully, Birthday Wishes was founded on the belief that the gift of a birthday party has the power to make homeless children feel both special and like "regular" kids despite their otherwise unsettled lives. Their website provides a template invitation that encourages guests to bring an item to donate. (This can be done either in lieu of or in addition to gifts for the birthday child -- it's up to you!) Depending on where you live, you can drop off or ship the items from the party to Birthday Wishes. Visit their website for a wish list of items and donation guidelines.
Birthdays are such a special event in our kids' lives. Why not let the celebration reach less fortunate kids by adding a generous twist to your child's next party?
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Comments (10)
I think this is a wonderful idea and will think about this for our next party thank you
So glad it was helpful. If you do something, consider posting it on KidzPlace! (http://kidzplace.yeskidzcan.com/). It is the first online networking site (safe, secure, and fun) where parents can applaud their kids kind acts and learn about what other children are doing around the world. It's like giving your kid a virtual high five for good deeds done!
I LOVE this idea!!!! There's also give-back birthday parties where you can take the kids to a park and have them pick up trash. You can also have your child pick a 'cause' and ask for donations rather than gifts.
This is a wonderful idea. A few of my kids friends have done this and it has turned out wonderfully. Who needs more junk. It's better to help others.
What a great idea!
this is a great idea, why not give it to someone else who will apreciate it more rather than a few minutes and then forget about it. it happens in this house =-/
everyone in our family (and our friends too) are asked to donate to Mended Little Hearts instead of buying our Frankie a gift. She has 3 CHD and it has been special to us... to donate to a cause, and hope for prevention, testing, and better treatments. Granted she was only diagnosed a year ago at 2 years old, her Christmas and Birthday wish lists often include small items, or things that we pick up for cheap at garage sales... and the rest of the friends and family are able to donate (and usually get her something small... like bubbles or makeup!)
I know she doesn't understand it all now, she will be 3 in about 2 weeks... but she will someday understand, and hopefully support our choices!
I'm not so sure about this. I'd rather have a special day for other kids that does not take away from my own kid's day.
I don't do birthday parties because we don't need more junk. I get my kids involved in charitable stuff as a family activity. Not sure I am gung-ho on doing this as a group effort, because that assumes all the parents in the group are in favor of the same charitable cause. It seems kind of heavy-handed to me. But, if I think of something that really seems appropriate for a broad group of kids, I may consider this for a one-time party when my kids are 6-ish. I am thinking one party every 5 years or so is reasonable, but I still don't want a bunch of gifts.
Neat idea.