“Bright Blessings is a non profit organization that celebrates the lives of homeless children and for these birthday children… for someone to say, ‘ we are glad you are born today and we are glad you are here’.” John Cervantes, Founder
I think of all the parties I have planned for my three girls over the years. From tea parties with Alice and Wonderland, princess parties on my back porch, Mad Scientist and Star Wars parties and the list goes on. Most of them were frugal but creative. My middle daughter especially loves to be celebrated.
I remember the simple parties my mom had for me when I was a kid. They usually consisted of cupcakes and the slip-n-slide. It was Miami, August, and hot! I remember them as special days.
When Adventure Group volunteered at Bright Blessings this month, it really hit home just how blessed we are. I take birthday parties for my kids for granted and consider it normal. I can’t imagine how special a birthday party would be when being homeless is anything but normal.
There is a great story to the History of Bright Blessings. Basically, one mom and dad wanted to teach their son how to give back to the community with a service project. Since 2009, they have grown nationally. What a great example of the power of one.
“What began as a monthly birthday party at one homeless shelter has now grown into a thriving non-profit that operates numerous programs and supporting projects for thousands of homeless children and families across the greater Charlotte area.”
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools reported over 4700 homeless children (record breaking) this year. And these are the just ones that are reported.
We picked, stuffed, counted, and organized birthday blessing boxes and as the kids completed boxes, I wondered if they realized their blessings. I know I did. It made for good conversation on the way home.
Counting your blessings takes on new meaning when you start to be grateful for the simple, the ordinary, and the normal.
You could be a Bright Blessing today!
If you feel led to donate, click here. 92% of your gift goes directly to the children.
Other items needed:
Ongoing needs for the Bless-A-Baby program include (new items only, please):
- Laundry baskets
- Diapers & baby wipes
- Canisters of powdered infant formula (all types/brands)
- Rice cereal & baby food jars
- Baby bottles, bibs & burp cloths
- Baby blankets
- Infant/baby sleepers and clothing
- Baby care essentials (diaper ointment; shampoo & bath wash; lotion and powder; complete care kits)
- Wash cloths & towels
- Pacifiers & teething rings
- Small baby play items: rattles, taggies, board books, stuffed animals
- Diaper bags or totes
BIRTHDAY PROGRAM NEEDS:
- Gift cards: Walmart, Target, dollar & grocery stores
- Tween/Teen gifts
- Birthday banners
- Solid color or birthday pattern plastic table covers
- SMALL snack-size plates and packages of SMALL napkins
- Plastic forks and spoons
(pause music at top right)
