Annual Easter Party for Homeless Children

Vital Stats

Camille K

Midway City, CA

  • people helped100
  • People Doing It 11

The Problem

In 2005-2006, 1.5 MILLION CHILDREN experienced homelessness*. With the economic downturn, the situation today is even worse. Yet the problem is not visible for many people because these children and families don't look the way many have imagined homelessness looks. Yet child homelessness is a growing problem and it is a problem that can leave these children with emotional scars that last a lifetime. Hunger and the constant struggle for the basics make up much of their daily experience and they usually do not get to celebrate their birthdays and holidays or have fun just for the sake of it.** So, the Uni Care Project Do Something Club worked with the Shelter for the Homeless in Midway City, California to throw the children they serve an AWESOME Easter party on Saturday, April 23rd, 2011. These children (along with their families) had a chance to just be kids and have fun with relay races, face painting, carnival type games and more. *stats by the National Center on Family Homelessness ** to learn more, watch this 60 Minutes clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK_RnxYdrqU

Plan of Action

1) Contact the volunteer coordinator with the Shelter for the Homeless. 2) Coordinate how the party will be provided for. The shelter will make sure that the eggs for the Easter egg hunt are provided, some prizes, and food. 3) Recruit volunteers. 4) We will provide party games, decorations, prizes, music, cupcakes and cookies and a fun, positive attitude. 5) We will ask the local grocery stores and restaurants if they can donate food for the party. 6) Arrive with at least 10 volunteers to throw the party!

Project Updates

THE PARTY WAS A COMPLETE SUCCESS!!!

THE KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES HAD A TON OF FUN!!!

Because of this party, we won a $500 grant from Do Something. We were chosen from all projects submitted from the West Coast.

We were going to hire a balloon artist for the party with the grant money...but he donated his time for FREE! Plus with the funds we raised to throw the party and some extra donations, we had the party taken care of already.

So, we are going to use the grant money to help create a sustainable art program for the kids of the shelter.

THANK YOU Do Something!!!

Videos are coming, if we can manage it. :)