The Children’s Birthday Project

by: Mariel Marte, Volunteer

Each year the Humanitarian Service project puts together Birthday Boxes to 800 children around DuPage and Kane County. Each box weighs approximately 25 lbs and contain not only hand picked presents with the specific child in mind, but also supplies to furnish a birthday party – also known as “party in a box”, complete with cake mix and frosting, birthday candles, party favors, cups, plates, napkins, and more!

Hand picked gifts put together by volunteers.

In addition to the toys, HSP also furnishes supplies for a birthday party!

You might be wondering, how does the Humanitarian Service Project assemble gifts for 800 children per year? My answer would be organization organization organization. I had the opportunity to meet with Jan, Toy Room Supervisor, and she was kind enough to give me a tour of the Children’s Birthday Project operation center. Here are some pictures I snapped during my tour.

Jan, our lovely Toy Room Supervisor.

Each toy is categorized per age group and placed in the shelves.

More toys/sporting goods…donated NEW!

Plenty of books in our book room! Many thanks to individual donors…

and also to companies such as Barnes & Noble of Oakbrook and Naperville,
and Anderson Books of Naperville.

The wall of board games.

The wrapping room.

My personal favorite…already curled ribbons ready to be used!

As you can see, a LOT goes on into putting together a birthday box for each child. It takes a lot of organization, participation and involvement from a lot of generous hearts. We cannot thank you all enough for your donation, your time and other means of contributing to make sure that the HSP’s Children’s Birthday Project continues to provide plenty of Birthday Boxes to children throughout DuPage and Kane County on their special day.