Birthday Wishes for Homeless Kids

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-03-21 09:23:00 UTC
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Our down economy is affecting kids just as bad, if not worse, than homeless adults. In fact, a recent study found that one in 50 children in America will experience homelessness. So what's a concerned citizen to do? Obviously, advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness is critical. But there's no denying the power of balloons, cake, friends, games, and gifts to make a homeless kid feel like a million bucks.

Yes, I'm talking about birthday parties!

For kids (and certain adults), a birthday is the biggest event of the year. But sadly, for many of these young shelter residents, this celebration may be out of reach. If you've been following the news, feeling down about the headlines, and have considered volunteering, this might just be the perfect place to start. Consider bringing birthday parties to homeless kids and their families.

One organization here in Massachusetts does exactly this. According to their website, "Birthday Wishes recognizes the importance of a birthday in a child's life and believes that the gift of a birthday celebration provides normalcy, joy and hope in these children's otherwise unsettled lives."

Here's more from the MA organization Birthday Wishes:

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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