Birthdays are usually filled with celebration – typically marked with balloons and cake, or massive parties. For the 87+ homeless families living in Hudson County, however, birthdays are not always able to be celebrated. For those experiencing homelessness who want to make a birthday memorable, The Birthday Project is helping them do just that. This organization has been throwing monthly birthday parties for children aged 1-21 living in homeless shelters or transitional housing for over seven years. HG was able to chat with representatives from the Hudson County chapter of The Birthday Project to find out more about the work they are doing and how Hoboken Girl Helps can take part.
The Party
Volunteers, family, friends, and The Birthday Party Project staff gather once a month at local facilities to host a birthday bash. Each child is celebrated during his or her respective birthday month, with pizza, cupcakes, traditional birthday swag {think glow sticks, balloons, crafts, and more}, party time, and of course, a chorus of”Happy Birthday.” Nationally, over 7,000 parties have been thrown with over 42,000 children as the guests of honor.
Getting Involved
All parties are made possible by Birthday Enthusiasts {a.k.a: YOU}. The Birthday Party Project in Hudson County is looking for volunteers to decorate, sing “Happy Birthday,” pass out cupcakes, hugs, and high fives before bidding the children farewell. For those ready to become a Birthday Enthusiast, this February is your chance. On February 13th, the Hudson County chapter will host its February birthday party at the York Street Shelter in Jersey City, NJ from 6:30-8:30PM and Hoboken Girl Helps will be going to participate as the enthusiasts.
If you are interested in participating as Birthday Enthusiast with our group, please complete the following steps:
- Email hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com with Birthday Party Project as the Subject Line and with your name. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.
- Complete an online background check. Follow this link to complete the background check. Confirmations that the check is complete can take up to 48 hours. All checks must be completed by February 6th.
- Join us on Wednesday, February 13th from 6:30-8:30PM for the February Birthday Party. Locations details will be emailed to those interested and who have signed up for a background check — and passed.
Not able to make this event or have a group of friends who may want to take over for a month? Visit the site or email hello@thebirthdaypartyproject.org for more information.
“We believe that JOY changes lives, and a JOYful community can change the world.”
~The Birthday Party Project.
Have a volunteer opportunity you’d like shared? Want to get involved? Email hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com. xo
