Celebrating a child’s birthday is something that we all tend to lean into, over-spend and over-plan. We just want it to be their best day ever, right?
But the reality is that we’re the lucky ones who can accidentally spend a little too much on balloons, decorations and treats for parties, for one in five Arizona families, the budgets are just so tight that birthday parties are just not something in the finances.
I recently chatted with a local Gilbert gal who is leading the heart behind the non-profit organization, Box of Balloons, which brings birthday parties to local kids who otherwise wouldn’t have a party.
Amy lives in Gilbert with her husband and black lab, Buddy, has a passion for giving back to her community. Although she works full-time in sales, she felt compelled to become a part of this organization.
Read on to learn about Box of Balloons, and how you can help, if you feel called to serve!
I’m so glad to have connected with Amy to shine some light on this unique non-profit organization. I am hoping to host a Moms Night Out and put together a box with the other contributors very soon and will share more of the process.
XO,
Kristen
How it started
This non-profit’s goal is to celebrate every child on their birthday.
Unfortunately, 1 in 5 children in America live in poverty and while their parents and caregivers are doing their best to make ends meet, they don’t always have the resources to put together a birthday celebration for their child.
This is where Box of Balloons partners alongside them. Working with community social workers, homeless shelters, and other child advocates, a child in need is chosen to be a recipient of a Box of Balloons. They will then connect with the chapter leader in the area.
If you decide to build a box, you know it will be going to a child in need right here in the valley. What a great service project for your family, girl scout troop, or work group.
How it works
Once you’ve decided to take the next step head to the website www.boxofballoons.org.
Click on the tab ACT and then find the icon I want to Build-A-Box.
You’ll be connected with the local chapter leader, Amy. She will provide you with a theme and some information about the child who the birthday box is being prepared for.
You will be asked to fill the box with birthday tableware, decorations, party favors, treats, and a birthday gift. Basically, all the essentials for that child to have a birthday celebration just for them and six family members. Typically, she says it totals around $100 to complete a box.
Insider Tip: Amy shared that a DIY craft using the child’s name is extra special and personalizes the box just for them, not too often do they receive those types of gifts and they really love them.
Once finished the box will be collected and sent off to make someone’s birthday extra special, someone who is definitely going to feel the love on their birthday.
How to Help
Volunteers are always NEEDED!! Just this month, they are hoping to fill twenty boxes for some very deserving kiddos in Arizona, so every box counts.
Whether you can gather a group of people and Build-A-Box or just share some supplies, all the help is greatly appreciated.
The local chapter’s website is www.boxofballoons.org/arizona and that is where you’ll be connected so head there and check it out. Let’s make a difference in the East Valley.
