Cheerful Givers not only makes a difference for those who are the recipients of the "Birthday Bags", but also those individuals and groups that give of their time and energy in putting together these special bags. I have been impressed with how Cheerful Givers has invited individuals with special-needs to participate in filling the Birthday Bags (usually as part of their school program and/or job training). For many of these individuals, filling the Birthday Bags is their first success in learning important job skills - and life skills as well. I have watched my young adult son, who has Autism, develop self-confidence and self-determination by taking on the responsibility of organizing and filling the Birthday Bags. He absolutely loves Cheerful Givers and is so proud of being a part of helping others. With great enthusiasm my son will say to me "Cheerful Givers is Jordan's job!" His involvement in Cheerful Givers has given him a real sense of accomplishment and has provided important job skills. Cheerful Givers touches the lives of both those who receive and those who participate as the Giver. As my son likes to say, "I love Cheerful Givers!" And his mom does too...!
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.
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!
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I've been working with Karen & Cheerful givers for a few years now. Althoughmy time is limited with what I can do, i normally donate goods for some bday bags and donate gifts to recognize their volunteers.
This is such a wonderful, caring, hardworking organization that I am proud to help out. Many children these days do not have it easy and cheerful givers is often the bright spot in their lives.
