Through dating, engagement, and marriage, Claudia and Michael Cuddyer have been together for seven years.  In a recent interview, Claudia commented “I’m finally starting to get a hang of this baseball life!  The Twin Cities community has been so good to us that we’ve always felt a strong desire to give back. I was a teacher for six years before I married Michael so children hold a big place in my heart and our son, Casey, will be two on June 20.”

Claudia talks about why she and the Minnesota Twins Wives support Cheerful Givers, what impact she thinks the organization is having and why she encourages others to help.

Why do you support Cheerful Givers and what have you done to help?
When I learned about Cheerful Givers, my son, Casey, was just about to turn one. I pictured all of the wonderful gifts he would most likely receive from friends and family and got choked up thinking that there were so many families out there that wouldn’t be able to do the same for their kids…not because they didn’t want to, but because they have fallen on hard times. Every child should have a gift on his/her birthday!

As part of the Minnesota Twins wives organization, I helped organize a birthday bag event last year where we filled 128 birthday bags. As a group, we also donated over $4,000 to Cheerful Givers to help fill more birthday bags! We will have another event this year where we plan to assemble at least 200 bags.

What impact do you think the organization is having?
I believe that helping improve morale of those in need is a great way to strengthen a community. Something as simple as a birthday gift can mean so much to a child living in poverty… AND to the parents who can now provide that for their child. One day, when they can, they will find a way to give back.

Why would you encourage others to help?
There are many wonderful reasons to help with Cheerful Givers. First and foremost, it is going to brighten a child’s day.  Also, it’s so easy! There are so many people out there that WANT to volunteer or give back somehow but just feel like they don’t have the time or money.  A small donation can really make a difference to Cheerful Givers! You can donate now at cheerfulgivers.org

Note from Cheerful Givers: We send our condolences to Claudia and her family on the recent death of her father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

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