Some of us take birthdays for granted. Sure, you’re another year older but birthday parties are about more than that. They are parties filled with people who love and support you. But the fact is, children who don’t have a place to call home don’t always get birthday parties. Target, in partnership with the Birthday Party Project in Dallas, wanted to make the joy of birthdays a memory for every kid.
The Birthday Party Project believes that joy changes lives. With the help of volunteers, or “Birthday Enthusiasts” as they like to call them, they host monthly birthday parties at homeless and transitional living facilities for kids up to 22 years old. They celebrate all children who have a birthday that month and invite the other families living in the shelter to join in on the fun. The children that participate have to face challenges no child should face. Whether that may be experiencing homelessness or not having a stable home environment, the birthday parties are all about building community and coming together to celebrate.
Each birthday month has a different theme, from superhero to monster mash and more. Fun games and activities are created based on the theme. The day is made extra special by bringing in things like a petting zoo or a magician. The Birthday Party Project also shops for birthday gifts for each of the kids. Then, local Party Coordinators and Birthday Enthusiasts, which include Target Team Member volunteers, set up the party, decorate and start all the fun.
Beyond volunteering, Target also donates party supplies to help build each birthday kit, called Birthday in a Box. Team Members show up to fill each box with balloons, banners, noisemakers, candles, party hats and other accessories to make the party special.
"Target's support allowed us to celebrate with over 200 children and their families in Dallas, giving them a larger-than-life birthday bash! This party allowed our kids to feel special and celebrated and gave their families a chance to break away from the shelter to experience joy, magic, and fun! Target truly wrapped their arms around our mission by providing the resources we needed to show families how much they matter,” said Paige Chenault, Founder and CEO of the Birthday Party Project.
In Dallas, the Birthday Party Project, with the support of Target, celebrates on average 47 parties a month for about 200 birthday kids, with 1,900 kids in attendance. That’s about 246 feet of wrapping paper and over 125 Birthday Enthusiasts making magic and memories the kids will never forget.
Something as simple as celebrating a birthday can impact a child for a lifetime. Target, in partnership with the Birthday Party Project, proves that joy can change lives.
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