More than 1,000 less fortunate kids received birthday gift bags this year as a result of the wonderful givers at The Homestead in Maplewood, Minnesota.  For over six years, this group has been gathering every Wednesday morning to fill birthday bags with toys.

Dorothy, age 88, said she likes doing this “because it makes me feel good.” Jackie, 78, enjoys doing something for someone else.  Gladys, 89, was thinking about her 21 grandkids, and Dorothy S, 84, just likes the feeling of doing something good.  Bags are made extra special by Virginia who curls the ribbons with her fingers, and Barbara, 93 has the honor of being our oldest volunteer.

As the ladies assemble birthday bags each week, they like to think about how excited the kids are who receive them and try to imagine their big eyes.  They also reminisce about birthdays when they were younger.  Jackie remembers getting a birthday card with an embroidered hanky which she still has, and Eunice received a baby doll when she was 12. Some got a birthday cake but no ice cream, and most remember birthdays being “slim.”

Jodi Sopp, Life Enhancement Coordinator, who organizes the program said “It’s nice to see the ladies faces when they do birthday bags and know they can still give back to the community.”  On Monday, the group plans to visit the food shelf at Second Harvest Heartland where their bags are distributed to those in need.

No comments yet.

Leave a comment