Cheerful Givers

Great cause with a great leader (Karen) to facilitate the project. Easy for groups to gather and pack birthday bags for less fortunate children. Not sure about small groups, but for big groups they can bring a packing event to you! Particularly like that this is a dual purpose charity - supports both those with mental disabilities in the charity work and children in poverty as recipients of birthday gifts. Would recommend to all event coordinators.

A great organization that knows how to make a substantial impact in the community serving children.

This is one of the great grassroots non-profits. When I think about what it means to roll-up your sleeves and serve a need that moves you, founder Robin provides this inspiration to all. Cheerful Givers serves one of the many support systems needed to provide families a pathway to growth by experiencing and participating in one of our most basic forms of generosity, gift-giving. It's easy to explain and involve my whole family including my 4 and 2 year old children. I'm proud to be a board member for this great organization!

Cheerful Givers offers birthday gifts from the heart … to the heart
As a Cheerful Givers volunteer and Board member for several years, I have been touched by the generous contributions of children and adults as they share time and treasure to provide birthday bags for children in our community who are less fortunate. Cheerful Givers is a unique organization that offers each of us the opportunity to bring a smile to the heart of a child. In fact, Cheerful Givers brought smiles and the joy of being “remembered” to over 179,000 Minnesota children in 2014 and will meet or exceed that goal this year. New volunteers are most welcome and donations are essential. There is a tangible excitement as students, employees, and community groups begin the process of assembling from 50 to 3,000 birthday bags at a single event, with books and toys, knowing that each gift bag will lift the spirits of a child. Parents who receive the birthday bags through food shelves or shelters often have tears of gratitude for the chance to surprise their child with a real gift. Children who receive the birthday bags from their family are reminded that they matter. What an honor it has been to participate in giving a birthday bag from my heart … to the heart of a parent … knowing it will touch the heart of their child.

Cheerful Givers has been a big part my life now for almost 10 years! I have worked at different levels for the non profit. I have been on the Board of directors for 4-5 years. I was on an advisory board for about 3 years since I work for a large corporation. I have made hundreds of birthday bags in my work place. I have done a Volunteer expo on the behalf of Cheerful Givers to round up volunteers for at least 4-5 years. Cheerful givers is an awesome organization to work with as a volunteer you can be very flexible doing as many or little amount of volunteer hours you would like. Not to mention the organization as a whole to make it possible for parents in proverty the ability to celebrate their childs life. a very important thing, as we are all important! Right now there are kids that do not know that, since mom & dad are not able to do do so. is a very sad fact, each kid should know they are important!!

Cheerful Givers is reaching more hearts than ever! With almost 1 million happy birthdays to-date, Cheerful Givers is serving more communities in need. We're pushing harder than ever. Food shelves and homeless shelters continue to seek birthday gifts for children and families. Therefore, we need your help to meet these needs. Thanks to everyone who's reached out to Cheerful Givers!

Cheerful Givers is a wonderful organization focused on building children's self esteem and strengthening families. Everyone wants and has a right to feel special!

I discovered Cheerful Givers in 2009 and there has been no looking back for me since then. I remember as a child in India, from the age of 1 till I was 14, my mother always celebrated my birthday every year by organizing a birthday party, inviting family members and close friends from around the neighborhood, playing games and having fun. I still recollect the joy on my face when I received birthday presents from my friends and family.

In India, I never heard of such an organization like Cheerful Givers since it is is unique and special for kids who don't get to celebrate their birthdays. Cheerful Givers helps parents living in poverty give their child a gift on their birthday and bringing a smile on their innocent little faces.

I believe in the cause of Cheerful Givers by lending my support in whatever manner possible and proud to be their Volunteer Manager for almost 6 years. Thank you Cheerful Givers ! You are definitely the BEST! There are so many virtual opportunities so please get involved with them today, and you will be so glad that you did!

Cheerful Givers is one of the best charities for children and families. As a parent we all know that our children love to get special birthday presents. Yet for many Americans just barely making ends meet, it is sometimes just a plain old luxury to have a gift for your child on their birthday. With this a reality for so many families today, Cheerful Givers is an excellent alternative for a needy child and family. More people should get involved with this awesome charity, they are definitely angels! Not only do they bring smiles to children but parents as well. They help to draw American families back to wholesomeness and pure love! I really enjoy attending to my volunteer duties with Cheerful Givers, they have made a difference in so many lives including my own! Thank you Cheerful Givers you guys are definitely the BEST! Volunteer opportunities consist of virtual volunteers and so much more! Get involved with them today, you will be so happy that you did!

I have now virtually volunteered for two years for cheerfulgivers.org as a Donations Researcher Assistant and I am so happy I found this non-profit. Thanks to Karen and so many volunteers, this is the most organized place I have ever volunteered at! Plus I am making a difference in so many children's and parents lives.

Finally, what I like is Karen actually Thanks You for e-mailing lists of websites to her, and she appreciates her volunteers, and you get featured in a newsletter and so much more.

I've been a volunteer for Cheerful Givers for 3 years. Their mission is so simple, yet has so much impact. They are truly touching the lives of children in need, whose families aren't able to give them gifts on their birthdays. I love that Cheerful Givers supports these families by helping parents give their children happy memories on their special day. This small act of giving means so much to children living in shelters, and it can make such a positive influence on their self-esteem. I'm so happy that I found Cheerful Givers, a nonprofit with an humble mission that touches lives every day.

Cheerful Givers embodies the imperative values of generosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness in its mission to make sure that children are remembered on their birthdays. I have had the privilege of collaborating with their enormously talented and dedicated President, Karen Kitchell, for several years, a woman who cares deeply about her volunteers and organization. Cheerful Givers is a first class charity and I am grateful for all that I have learned from their example of giving.
Cynthia Brian,
Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3

I have been a Cheerful Givers volunteer, board member, and advocate for many years now. I remain inspired and humbled by the work they do to enable parents living in poverty to give their children birthday gifts. I have assembled bags with my own children and, through that experience, been able to teach them about the power of giving. The number of children served grows each year, as does their need for volunteers, donations, and support. I'm proud to continue my support of Cheerful Givers and invite you to do the same.

I have voluntered with Cheerful Givers for a few years. It is a wonderful organization that spends funds wisely and serves a significant need in our communities.

I'm a fairly recent virtual volunteer, helping with writing pieces that bring attention to the uniqueness of Cheerful Givers. It has been a rewarding experience, and even though I am oceans away I have enjoyed being able to give back to those who deserve so much - children. I look forward to continuing my volunteer experience into the future and if you are not already involved with this wonderful organization, you should be. There is nothing more precious then giving the gift that brings a smile to a child's face.

I've been a virtual volunteer for about a year and a half, researching grants and helping out with special projects. It's been such a rewarding experience even though I am a couple of thousand miles away. Karen keeps Cheerful Givers so well organized. She is always quick to respond to my questions and keeps me in the loop so I feel part of the team. It feels so good to be able to help children in need. I'm very glad I found Cheerful Givers through Volunteer Match.

Paula G.

I have volunteered for Cheerful Givers for 2 years, and have the greatest respect for what they do. The mission of this wonderful organization is elegantly simple and enormously influential. Giving children whose families are facing hardship birthday gifts to bring smiles to those faces is an act of love, community, and far-reaching compassion. Cheerful Givers does work that matters and, for these children, builds their self-esteem and confidence. The stress of providing presents for their child on their special day is taken off the shoulders of their parents. What Cheerful Givers does for these families has ripple affects that create positive memories for the rest of their lives. Cheerful Givers lets these families know that though they are struggling, that their children are not forgotten on their birthdays. Hats off to them. They are a blessing to many!

Volunteering for Cheerful Givers is an excellent opportunity. The process of getting involved is quick and easy, and there are a variety of ways to contribute. I am a Social Media volunteer who works to promote Cheerful Givers and encourage others to join our cause. Even for a few minutes a day, I can tell that my work goes a long way in helping Cheerful Givers meet their goal of providing birthday gifts to children living in poverty. This an organization near and dear to my heart that I look forward to working with for a long time!

It's been over a year and I still virtually volunteer as an in-kind donations researcher. I've never volunteered for a non-profit as long as I have with Cheerful Givers. This is a great place to volunteer. They are organized and I love the fact that you get recognized in a newsletter for your hard work. It feels so good to help kids receive something nice for their Birthday.

If you're looking for a place to volunteer in person or remotely, look no further than cheerfulgivers.org!

I have been a volunteer for many years now, and I am always encouraged by the hard work and dedication the Cheerful Givers team invests in its cause. I also enjoy observing the passion fellow volunteers and board members have towards our goals. Finally, the leadership team is fantastic.

I have volunteered with Cheerful Givers for 2.5 years now and besides being a great nonprofit with a wonderful mission, they support their volunteers with the tools they need to do a good job. They make it easy to volunteer and share the gifts each person has. In turn, goals are accomplished and volunteers can assist in a variety of ways. I judge all my future and present volunteering by comparing my experience with Cheerful Givers.

Cheerful Givers is a great organization it goals to bring joy to a child on his birthday by helping a family that cannot do it is a great way to aid in that childs selfesteem and confirm they are special. That feeling goes a long way in the childs development thru life and gives them a foundation to handle adversity as they grow. I have been involved for over five years and the feed back with get from Cheerful Givers reinforce their mission.

This charity is a great cause and employees love to contribute and volunteer for such an important time in a child's life!

Cheerful Givers is an incredible organization. In the five years that I have been a volunteer I have seen a tremendous amount of completely volunteer effort and creativity go into providing the kind of joy every child deserves on his or her birthday. This is one nonprofit that truly uses the best that volunteers have to offer, and that uses all the resources donated, be they dollars, services, or materials (toys) to directly serve children.

I have volunteered and supported Cheerful Givers for over 10 years. It is a wonderful organization who provides Birthday gifts to food shelves and homeless shelters, so that parents in need do not have to tell their child that they are not getting a birtday gift. I grew up poor, and I had many birtdays without presents. I know what that feels like, and I work to prevent other kids from having similar experiences. I ask for anyone who can to help me in this cause.

I am so proud to be involved with an organization that truly is "the real deal." They pride themselves in making sure that every possible penny raised goes in those toy and joy filled bags. When they meet their goals, they raise their expectations. And because of that, the number of happy birthdays has increased each year. That is GETTING IT DONE! I love their motivation and true desire to help!

Cheerful Givers is a wonderful organization. They make it happen! Cheerful Givers staff and volunteers are personable and professional - they encourage and motivate companies and individuals to get involved: pack birthday bags, do a drive to gather crayons or books, provide a space for a packing event, deliver bags to food shelves - and more!

I have been present when a child has opened their birthday gift bag - it is wonderful. The child's smile is eclipsed only by the parents', as they are grateful they have a lovely, cheery, fun gift for their child this birthday.

Cheerful Givers is a heart-warming non-profit that makes such a tremendous difference to the lives of children. I can't think of any other group that can impact so many kids, and make it so easy to do so! The concept is simple - put together ten $1 items in a birthday bag and bring to a food shelf for a parent to bring home for their child. Brilliant!
I have donated to Cheerful Givers for years. One year my kids elected to have all their birthday gifts from their parties be designated to Cheerful Givers and we filled the birthday bags at their party. I have also included my colleagues in the efforts and coordinated birthday bag filling events at the office. Bags are filled with bubbles, markers, coloring books, candy, yo-yo's, stuffed animals etc. and everyone has fun contributing! Although ultimately the recipients are the kids, I can tell you the personal reward of supporting this organization feels amazing.

I had been looking for a volunteer opportunity that I could do from home, so I researched virtual opportunities involving research on VolunteerMatch.org and found Cheerful Givers. I was touched by Cheerful Giver's purpose of giving each child an opportunity to celebrate their special day under circumstances where their family couldn't. My husband and I have always helped out with our church's food pantry but I had never really thought of helping to provide for needs beyond the basics of food and shelter. As an Inkind Donations Assistant I try to find websites of potential donors of items for the birthday bags. I'm very happy to have found an opportunity where I can combine my interest in research, volunteer from home (so I can spend more time with my newly-retired husband) and help bring a smile to these children on their birthday!

I have been volunteering with Cheerful Givers since Nov 2009 and after 2 years still continuing as a volunteer manager. I am happy to say that I am glad I found by chance on Volunteer Match and expressed interest. I joined Cheerful Givers at a time when I didn't know what I was doing in my life. Volunteering with Cheerful Givers changed my life and keeps me mentally happy and I feel good that I am helping for a cause. Flexible hours and in a virtual role kept my mind busy and I feel satisfied that I am useful to somebody in need.

Wow, Cheerful GIvers has grown so much since I started volunteering in 2008! The mission is simply to give a happy birthday to as many less fortunate children as possible. Simple, yet SO important. Looking forward the future of CG!

I am the Founder and Chairman of the Board for Cheerful Givers. I started Cheerful Givers because I believed we could make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children and their families. When I created this organization, I never dreamed that we would help more than 500,000 children, that we would have so many volunteers and contributors, and that we would provide as much happiness to the givers as we were providing to the receivers. Cheerful Givers has taught me how to be a better person, how to give anonymously and unconditionally, and that one person’s idea can make a difference in the lives of everyone involved. Thank you to all the cheerful givers and cheerful receivers!!

I began working with Cheerful Givers when my son was about to turn one. I couldn't imagine him not receiving even one special gift. As a matter of fact, I knew he would be showered with toys, clothes, books and other presents. It really spoke to my heart that there were people out there committed to spreading birthday joy to children whose parents have fallen on hard times. It's not that they didn't WANT to provide for their child, they just couldn't. Cheerful Givers is an amazing organization that works tirelessly EVERY day to assemble birthday gifts so that parents can ALSO experience the joy of GIVING a gift to their child. What an amazing ability!!!

Being involved in Cheerful Givers has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. It is such a worthy cause and the impact is so direct. I look forward to continue working closely with them in the future.

Cheerful Givers is an organization that is one of my favorite charitable givers. My school age child care group connected with Cheerful Givers through a service learning project 6 years ago. Since then I have chosen to celebrate my birthday with a Birthday Blitz, creating bags for others to celebrate their birthdays. Nothing brightens my day than seeing the happy faced logo of Cheerful Givers!

It is a great organization that provides birthday bags to low income families with young children so they have a gift for their birthday. All children should have a special birthday and Cheerful Givers sees that they do.

The Cheerful Givers mission is so simple, yet so powerful -- to provide a child with a birthday gift on their one special day, to make that child feel special and valued no matter their current circumstances. And I love that it allows parents the dignity to choose a gift they can feel proud to give. When I tell people about Cheerful Givers, they get it. It inspires people to get involved. I'll continue to donate, volunteer as I can, and share their mission and story whenever I can.

I have been working with Karen for a few years now, donating my goods/services for children's gift bags and gifts for their volunteers. They are a wonderful group of people making a difference in children's lives, and so happy to be apart of helping them when I can. Recognizing children's birthdays when they would otherwise go unnoticed can make such a difference in a child's life. Keep up the good work Cheerful Givers..our children out there need you!

I have been volunteering for Cheerful Givers for 3 years. If you want to support an organization that uses every dollar given wisely and for the good of the children served, Cheerful Givers is to organization to support. I keep track of the mailing list for Cheerful Givers and I can tell you that people from all over the country support this organization in big and small ways through hours of volunteer work, financial contributions and in-kind donations. I feel great about being a part of this organization.

Cheerful Givers is a charity that everyone needs to support. President Karen Kitchel manages the organization with vision, compassion, and energetic involvement. For many years, the charity I founded, Be the Star You Are!® has donated books to the birthday bags. When we see the delight on the children's faces when they receive their gifts, we only wish we could help out with much more. Cheerful Giver's deserves to be recognized for the support and empowerment they give to the moms, caregivers, and of course, the children.

I have served as the Puget Sound Coordinator for 5.5 years. I have been consistently impressed by the leaders' responsiveness, resourcefulness, dedication, and innovation. I have no doubt this organization brings smiles and lasting memories to parents and their children at a time when they need them most.

I started working with Cheerful givers after i read about them in people magazine. I love parties, party favors, gifts, etc. so this was right up my alley. I've been working with Karen ever since. They are a wonderful organization run by so many dedicated individuals. Im always happy to help them in any way I can.

I began volunteering my time with Cheerful Givers in October of 2009, and continued to work with the charity until the the annual Birthday Party took place in March of 2010. As a recent college graduate, it was a joy to be able to volunteer for a organization with a great mission as well as connect with new people and a new community. I plan on continuing to volunteer with Cheerful Givers well into the future.

I have been aware of Cheerful Givers for numerous years. They are very important to our local shelters. They also allow volunteerism to be experienced by young and old. They are always CHEERFUL!

From the minute I started volunteering with Cheerful Givers, I knew I was helping make the difference. Some people may over look our organization because of its size, but Cheerful Givers is changing lives and helping children understand that they ARE special and loved! What I am most amazed at with CG is the determination of our president, Karen Kitchel, and the rest of the staff which is 99% volunteers!

“Cheerful Givers!“, It says it in the name-People who are pumped up about giving their time and support for the underprivileged. When I first started with Cheerful Giver's I instantly felt welcomed and important to the cause. Karen Kitchel does an excellent job in making you feel like you CAN make a difference, and making difference we did! At the

I have served in two volunteer positions and participated in a couple birthday blitz. The groups dedication and compassion to their mission is impressive!

I have been volunteering with Cheerful Givers for about a year. I work closely with Karen, Cheerful Givers' president, to help raise awareness of all the great work being done by Cheerful Givers volunteers to reach out to under privileged kids. I'm so impressed by the warm-hearted support of those who believe everyone should have a Happy Birthday. My job is to help share these stories by reaching out to the media. We're hoping to inspire others to get involved and help us continue putting smiles on deserving little faces.

I have volunteered for Cheerful Givers in a variety of roles over the past 4 years. Each year I participate in the Great American Birthday party, our big funraiser at the Mall of America. I have coordinated birthday bag assembly at various organizations. I have donated to raise money for presents in these birthday bags. I have collected books from the Volunteers of America and transported them to the school for the disabled. This school assembles birthday bags as a means of teching the disabled what it is like to do assembly work. I have spoken before companies who migh want to sponsor a projct of birthday bag assembley. I believe in this project, and I have chosen it as my primary charity becuse of all the good work that I have observed.

Cheerful Givers is an incredible organization, that does amazing things for the surrounding community. Karen is an excellent representative and can clearly and beautifully articulate Cheerful Giver's mission. She is a stand up leader that is focused on making a difference in the lives of children.

I volunteer at a local food shelf in the community that serves many families with not only food but also many household items. The food shelf is set up to try to meet special requests the families may have. Very recently, a young mother indicated that in two days she was celebrating her little daughter's birthday and wished she had something to give. It was because of Cheerful Givers, I was able to let her know that a birthday bag was indeed available. She was so filled with joy! She left the food shelf grinning from ear to ear. I am grateful I was able to be a part of her joy - thank you Cheerful Givers! C. Hahn

Each Month the Seniors look forward to seeing what toys we have. There is a lot of conversation about the toys, and the joy they will bring to children within their community. I feel this activity benefits the Seniors nearly as much as the children who receive the gifts. It's rewarding to see the looks of happiness and witness the feelings accomplishment these residents display when the last ribbon is tied and the last bag is placed in the box for the children.

Be the Star You Are!r charity has been donating books for the birthday bags for many years. Cheerful Givers is an excellent organization truly dedicated to helping kids have a happy birthday experience. It is a pleasure and honor to be part of this wonderful cause.

In 2008 I was new to my company and was looking for ways to connect with other employees. The e-mail I received to join the Cheerful Givers was the perfect opportunity to allow me to give back to the community and meet others at my new company. My first event was stationed in the lobby of our corporate headquarters. The tables were loaded with small gifts that were then assembled to provide birthday bags to kids that wouldn't otherwise receive them. The volunteers were happy and excited to pull the items together and we all shared stories over the bags as we circulated through the stacks of toys. Once we gathered the bags together and counted them -- we had almost 100 bags! For less than a half hours work we had provided 100 kids with a smile on their birthday. The books, toys and other items were simple and will bring lots of joy to these kids on their special day. What a simple way to give back to the community....thanks to all the volunteers who organize these efforts!