Director Statements

"The majority of our members at the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet reside in homeless shelters, are in the foster care system, or come from single parent homes below the poverty line. As a result, the youth that we serve are considered “at-risk.” Each month, we provide The Birthday Giving Program with a list of youth who have birthdays. The Birthday Giving Program then picks a day before the month is over to visit the Boys & Girls Club and brings...custom birthday bags and balloons for each child that is on the list, as well as enough homemade birthday cake for all of our members to enjoy.  The idea of recognition and celebration for an individual’s birthday is often taken for granted. The Birthday Giving Program has improved the lives of our members by allowing them to feel special and valued during the most vulnerable and challenging times in their lives."

"The Birthday Giving Program has been critical in helping us build a community in which every resident feels cared for and celebrated. We do not have the budget to purchase gifts for each resident, and before we found the Birthday Giving Program, did not do our now-beloved monthly birthday events. Now, for some of our residents, the Birthday Giving Program bags may be the only gifts they receive for their birthdays. Giving them these gifts and sharing a birthday cake (at least in the pre-COVID times) has allowed us to show that we are invested in their milestones, to affirm that each person is worthy of celebration, and to build a community of care."

"Our clients in shelter are fleeing from a domestic violence situation. They come with few possessions and stay until they are healed and ready to move forward. Many children celebrate their birthdays during their time with us. So, you can imagine after all these children have seen and been through, the joy and importance of having their own special birthday celebration with their loved ones. For some of our clients, it is the first time they have ever had a birthday party.  For three years, this program has provided generous, age-appropriate presents for each birthday child; an opportunity for families to come together to prepare a wonderful birthday cake in our shelter kitchen; and the ability to throw an amazing, decorated birthday party. We simply could not have the same celebration without their help."

"The Birthday Giving Program has positively impacted the members of Streetwise (vendors and near-homeless/homeless) by giving them that good feeling of someone caring. When we come out of the woodworks singing Happy Birthday and toting one of your bags...some of the recipients appear to decrease in age in front of my eyes...and it's pretty awesome."

"Thank you so much for your kindness and giving. The residents' eyes light up when they receive your birthday bags! They are always filled with thoughtful gifts and add so much to what we are able to provide. I love this Giving program. Thank you so much for your support."