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Birthday Parties for All
Local organization brings joy of birthday celebrations to homeless children
By Kellie Carrara
One more candle on a cake, a party to plan, a special date on the calendar.
Something thousands of area children living in homeless shelters in greater Boston never have had has become a dream come true, with the help of volunteers from a unique organization called Birthday Wishes.
Director Lisa Vasiloff, one of three founders of the non-profit organization, said the idea began as a volunteering opportunity to help give homeless children a birthday party and allow her own children a chance to give back to the community. And it just grew from there, especially in these economically challenged times.
Over the past seven years, Birthday Wishes volunteers have given more than 2,000 children in 75 shelters throughout Massachusetts a birthday celebration all their own, complete with cake, gifts, games and goody bags.
“A birthday party is something we take for granted,” she said. “It’s so simple, yet so appreciated.”
Photo caption: Associate Director of Birthday Wishes headquarters in Newton, Susan Haviland glady accepts 9-year-old Susie McCarthy’s donation of goodie bags on behalf of Brownie Troops of Westwood.
And something that parents living in shelters, and the shelters themselves, cannot afford to plan and produce for their children.
”When a birthday is made into a group effort, it's so easy,” said Amy Boschen of Kingston, a busy mother of three who began volunteering with her 10-year-old daughter to show how they could help their community. “Our local shelter is fortunate enough to have five [volunteers] running a party each month. We try to keep the party manageable by having it on a Monday, around one hour.”
And Vasiloff is proud that children volunteers are still an integral part of the organization in each community.
“We’re growing the way we started – by grassroots efforts,” she said. “We never want to lose that piece of who we are. We’ve been able to get so big, but remain local.”
Party Planning
Once the volunteers have the name and age of the birthday boy or girl, the party planning begins. No stone is left unturned, and volunteers brainstorm themes, gifts, games and entertainment and how each person can help.
It takes more than a handful of volunteers to make a party successful. Boschen said a local girl scout troop recently took charge of a party and local entertainers have donated their time.
And since the organization relies heavily on donations, it’s easy for locals to get involved, at any level.
“I have a friend who was moving and had about 10 new toys to give me for Birthday Wishes,” Boschen added. “Whether you're stuffing goody bags at the Birthday Wishes warehouse [in Newton] or running a party at a shelter, all time is valued and it's such a great thing to do for a child in need.”
Rachel Cericola of Marshfield creates and donates birthday cakes. ”I just love being able to contribute, and on a selfish level, it makes me feel good to help,” she said.
Freeman is amazed at how a single party can bring a group together going through such difficult times.
“It’s a coming together of everyone in the shelter,” she said, explaining that all the children and families in the shelter are invited to the celebration. “I enjoy doing craft projects with the family – and my eyes well up at every party.”
Boschen feels the same.
“Kids are kids no matter what is going on in their life - they giggle, love crafts and games and know what they like from tea parties to SpongeBob! It's so nice to see all the families come together to enjoy a birthday. The moms are so appreciative. We also take pictures at the party so they have memories of their child's special day,” she said. Sometimes those pictures are the first real photographs families have ever received of their child.
Donation need lists are readily available on the organization’s web site and individuals or groups can choose what they would like to give. Needs range from paper products to gifts. Visit www.birthdaywishes.org for more information.
Kellie Carrara is a regular contributor to Parents & Kids and lives in Franklin with her husband and 4-year-old daughter.
Things to know
Birthday Wishes is currently seeking party coordinators for the Lowell/Lawrence shelters.
Other ways to support Birthday Wishes
On Saturday, Sept. 26, Birthday Wishes will participate in its inaugural Rodman Ride for Kids. Every dollar donated to the Ride equals $1.15 donation to Birthday Wishes. Held in Foxboro, The Rodman Ride is a fun, non-competitive bike tour with 1,200 cyclists participating in 25, 50 or 100-mile routes throughout southeastern Massachusetts. www.birthdaywishes.org
Other organizations helping celebrate birthdays
The Home's FUNdraising ideas for kids (Home For Little Wanderers)
Would you like to help other kids who are less fortunate than you?
Most children have lots of good things in their lives - a loving family, friends and a place to call home. Not all of the kids at The Home for Little Wanderers have been so lucky.
Make Your Birthday More Meaningful
Ask your birthday party guests to make a donation to The Home or bring a present or gift card to donate to a child in our care in place of giving a gift to you.
Make Your Birthday More Meaningful
Ask your birthday party guests to make a donation to The Home or bring a present or gift card to donate to a child in our care in place of giving a gift to you.
. We're definitely seeing an increase in children hosting their own fundraisers or collecting donations in lieu of birthday presents and they love to share their stories!
You'd mentioned the idea of possibly including an online link about the birthday gift idea with your upcoming feature about Birthday Wishes, which would be great if it fits...or perhaps you could mention it in a Tweet? The information below can also be found on our website at www.thehome.org/kids.
