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Birthday in a Box MHK is bringing Birthday Celebrations to less fortunate kids in Manhattan, Kansas. Parents or guardians sign up for this service and a Birthday Box is delivered to them a few weeks before their child's birthday so that they can give their child a birthday party. The box includes a coupon for a free cake from our Manhattan HyVee, birthday candles, plates, cups, napkins, forks, balloons and more. They also include a $20 gift card to Walmart or Target so the parent or guardian is able to purchase their child a birthday gift. We also provide Birthday Treats to the local schools for students to share with their classmates on their birthday. Some students may not be able to afford treats or forget to bring them, so now they can go visit their school social worker and receive treats for their classmates courtesy of Birthday in a Box MHK.
This Blog Post is what started Birthday in a Box MHK:"Today we hosted our weekly Homework Huddle at Eagle's Pointe Apartments. Every week we meet a very special group of kids, help them with their homework, share a snack, and play games.
Last week we had several new kids, and immediately bonded with them. As we were working today, the whole group broke out in a chorus of "Happy Birthday" to one of our new little friends who just turned 8. He was beaming from ear to ear. As we left, our new little buddy thanked us and asked if we could come back on Saturday and Sunday...He gave us big hugs. As we said our "goodbyes" I asked him if he was going to go home to have cake? He said his mom told him she would buy him a cake. Then he said, well she always says that, but comes home without it and tells me that she can't afford it. What? A birthday without cake?? Then the little girl behind him, says that that happens at her house, too. My head started whirling. Was this little girl telling him that so he wouldn't feel bad, or did that really happen at her house, too? Next week I will start logging names, addresses and, of course, birth dates at homework huddle. I will start soliciting my friends this week to start creating Birthday Kits. Wouldn't it be great to gather up aluminum pans, cake mixes, frosting, sprinkles, candles, party plates and napkins and even a $15 Wal-Mart gift card? We could bless the moms about a week before the child's birthday. A birthday is special...we celebrate our Lord and Savior's Birthday every year in a huge way....perhaps we can help the "least of these" in a simple little way....I'm sure Jesus would approve." This is from my friend's blog, www.helpandhope17.blogspot.com. She lives in Kansas City and had this experience. It moved me and I shared it with my children and husband. I asked them if they thought we should try to do this for kids at their school and/or in our community. They all agreed that it would be terribly sad to not have a cake and celebration for their birthday and they wanted to be able to give that to other kids. This takes a lot of help from others and organization on our part, but it is worth it to help make a less fortunate child have an awesome birthday! I work with school social workers to find the kids in need. I deliver the boxes to the schools each month and the social worker passes them out to the students or their parent or guardian. The child does not know what is in the box. The party is given by the parent(s) or guardian. |
Please help make a child's birthday a special day for them!
How you can help:Donate money with the link above or mail to:
Birthday in a Box MHK 2841 Edwards Manhattan, KS 66502 You can also donate: $20 gift card to Target or Walmart, birthday candles, party plates, party napkins, party cups, forks, steamers, balloons, or other party supplies to Birthday in a Box MHK. We are also accepting donations of Little Debbie, Hostess, or generic brand brownies, cupcakes, cookies, and rice krisipie treats for our Birthday Snack Shops at each school. **Please no peanut items.** Drop off Location:
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Thank You to Manhattan HyVee for donating cakes to all Birthday in a Box MHK participants!