More Preciously Cute than Hello Kitty

While trying to google "Boston Business Journal Philanthropy Almanac" I somehow ended up on the webpage of Birthday Wishes.

Birthday Wishes is a nonprofit located in Newton, MA (a.k.a not-quite-Boston) with the mission of bringing birthday parties to kids living in homeless shelters or transitional housing. They currently hold parties for over 400 kids living in 32 shelters in the Boston area.

And they aren't just stopping there! They have long range goals to become not just a statewide organization but a nation-wide one.

Some of you may think this sounds like a frivilous undertaking. But as someone who has seen shelter life through my own volunteering experiences, I can say that it's actually quite brilliant. There is very little order and routine for these kids - and kids thrive on stability. Occasions such as birthdays can unintentially be overlooked, or, because of a lack of resources, maybe not be celebrated or recognized. Recognizing a child's birthday with even a small party, gives him/her a chance to feel special. And it provides a much-needed happy memory.

I think this is just brilliant. I think I'll have to encourage some friends to sign up with me to volunteer at a party or two.