Here’s what a few people who recently filled birthday bags had to say about their experience.

Natalie Rumble wanted to do something for her 52nd birthday that allowed her to give back. “The level of generosity from my friends and family who participated was overwhelming and heart warming. It truly is more fun to give than to receive – one of the best birthday’s ever.”

Shannon Thompson, Cheerful Givers board member, said “My children have so much, and others don’t, so it seemed like a great way to celebrate my son’s 2-year birthday by asking my family to bring gifts to make gift bags for Cheerful Givers. Delivering the bags to the food shelf was the best part.  The volunteers were so excited about the beautiful gift bags and it was great knowing that people who needed something extra would be able to have them.”

Stacy Konoa, from Project KIDS, was looking for a way to get  kids involved in the community. “We were excited to know that our donations would stay in our community and decided to go for it!  It was easy to explain what we were doing and why it was important… all of our kids/participants know how great it is to get presents for a birthday.  I hesitated as to whether or not to do the project for fear of lack of donations but discovered that even though we may not be large in manpower, the hearts and generosity of those within our program is huge! Birthday bags are easy.  Costs are low, time is minimal and the very young and older can help. This was a huge success for us and we plan to do it again this summer.”

Melissa Wallraff chose to fill birthday bags because “it was a great way for my children to give something back. I can’t imagine a child not receiving a gift on their birthday. The best part was working together with my daughters and knowing that I would brighten someone’s day – who I didn’t even know.”

Yvonne Schneider began filling bags when her after-school child care group  decided to do a service-learning project.  Every year after that, she chose to ask her family to give supplies for Birthday Bags instead of a gift on her birthday. “I find that the joy created by making the bags far outweighs anything I would receive myself. I am grateful that Cheerful Givers has been a part of my life and that I have had the opportunity to help make someone’s day, especially a birthday, a little brighter.”

Barb Clothier said “The children got so excited about doing the project that they couldn’t wait to start and we finished in no time at all. It is a great mission that can bring all sorts of people together, of all age ranges, for a common good. Thanks to Cheerful Givers for their wonderful website of suggestions and ideas and informing others about this great mission.”

Ra’eesa Motala learned “that there are so many people in our community that need simple resources and we should not take the simple small things in life for granted. This is a great opportunity to help out with a great cause. The feeling of accomplishment and doing good is rewarding.”

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