In my prior role, I initiated a Birthday Dreams program to celebrate children in foster care. Over 7 years, we provided personalized birthday packages to more than 18,000 boys and girls to let them know that their special day was important, and that they deserved love and attention.
Recently, Maria, a Journey Partner and employee with Saving Amy, a local charity, contacted me and discussed the need for a birthday wishes program for the 33 children enrolled in their program. The mission of Saving Amy is to assist families that are working hard to transition out of homelessness. These moms and dads are doing the work and deserve the support services that this organization provides. especially during these challenging times. Saving Amy wants to provide birthday gifts to children who are 12 and under, to help raise their self-esteem – a project that is right up my alley.
With the help of a few of the wonderful volunteers who served the Birthday Dreams program, and from donors who feel emotionally connected to this cause, our objective is to replicate the love and support that we’ve got a history of providing. We are going to put smiles on the faces of children who don’t smile enough.
These kids have faced challenging days, and they definitely deserve a few moments of sheer joy and celebration in their lives.
Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll be posting more information about the project. I’m seeking donations of new toys, books, games and most importantly, dollars, in order to assemble a few hundred gift packages over the coming year. If you’d like to help out, you can contact me or donate directly to this wonderful cause – Saving Amy, Inc at www.savingamy.org/give/
Donations qualify for the Arizona state Qualifying Charity tax credit and can provide Arizona taxpayers with a dollar-for-dollar credit for your gift, costing you nothing to help children prosper!
Feel free to contact me for more information. I am excited to continue the journey of bringing hope and joy to children in our community, and your help can make it possible.
Dan Shufelt, the former CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, has been involved in the charity world as an executive and grant maker for many years.
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