Yavapai County, where I live, has many rural/poor areas filled with families that can barely feed and clothe their children, much less celebrate a birthday. I believe birthdays are such an important event, perhaps the one and only day of the year many of these children will ever get special treatment. I have heard from several families their children don't even know they HAVE a birthday, simply because the parents cannot provide for one and don't want their children to feel left out. The birthday packs are an easy and quick way for people to help, but make such an impact. We also try to include items that will help the family, such as socks, toothbrushes etc. Not much for most of us, but truly a blessing to the low to no income families I serve.

The families we are working with have low to no income. We try to make each package appropriate to the child, but we also try to include items that will assist the family. We heard back from one family that the child was excited that they received new socks. New socks and toothbrushes are something that we take for granted. They are treats to many of the families.

Birthday Buddies provides a special Giftpack consisting of the following items: A birthday cake, candles, balloons and a card A backpack containing such items as: A selection of Birthday gifts, A book, A writing journal and pens, Personal items such as toothbrush/paste, comb/brush, make-up, deodorant, hair accessories and nail clippers. All items are new and of good quality and are chosen specifically for the interests and needs of the birthday child. We consider the child’s favourite colours, sports, and activities when purchasing all the gifts to ensure a successful birthday celebration. Giftpacks are valued up to $100. Birthday Buddies is an extremely meaningful way for children to feel they can make a real difference in another child’s life by providing a Birthday Giftpack for a child who would otherwise go without any celebration at all.

Donate shoeboxes, which we wrap nicely in paper themed to that of the child's interests (Tinkerbell,Spiderman, balloons for older children), wrapping paper/supplies, pick out items to 'adopt' a child on their birthday, or even turn THEIR birthday party into a birthday buddies event-have guests donate a birthday box each in lieu of a gift.