Two year-olds through kindergarten age children who participate in the Sunday School program at Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church earned their own money by doing chores, sacrificing a trip to McDonalds and saving their allowance to purchase birthday gifts which filled 62 birthday bags.  One young girl even used her own birthday money.  Bre Pilon, who organized the event, said “The response is amazing even at such a young age.  Thank you for giving us this opportunity to teach our children to think beyond themselves…”

“The next time your family comes together for a day at the lake or a barbecue in the backyard, why not take an hour to discuss your estate and how your family can make an impact on the things that are most meaningful to all of you?”

To help you start the discussion, they provide some topics and questions to post to your “kitchen table philanthropists.”    Read full article.

The group also enjoyed wavers featuring right fielder Michael Cuddyer, which were provided by Animal Fair/Sports & Entertrainment.

Supporters and volunteers submitted reviews to earn this honor. Here are a few examples of what they said or you can read them all.

“I’ve seen the results of this organization in… Kids get to receive a gift on their birthday, which wouldn’t necessarily be a given without Cheerful Givers. Parents get to experience the joy of being able to provide a gift to their children. Volunteers of all ages get to learn that giving can be fun!”

“In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are… helping people understand that the emotions of a child are just as important as keeping them healthy and well fed.”

“If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could… give gifts to every kid in the US and make such a difference in their lives!”

Thanks to donations from local businesses and the school’s own fundraising, more than 30 students were able to make 50 birthday bags, the third year in a row the Skyline High School Key Club in Washington has contributed to our cause.

And not content with their successes, the Clubbers are planning on reaching out to their peers at Eastlake High School to stage a bigger event in the near future.

Read article about them in today’s Sammamish Reporter.

The idea behind K.I.D.S. is simple. “One caring response to one child in the crisis of poverty with one donation of a new piece of clothing or shoes, a toy or book of their own or an educational product.  It’s about one gift, to one child at a time that builds hope, self-esteem and an opportunity to succeed.  Our local agency partner network, nearly a thousand agencies strong, represents a broad and diverse range of  organizations, all of which are dedicated to helping the lives of children in poverty and families at risk.”

We are so pleased to have been selected as one of their partners!

The fun began when students started filling birthday bags and adding a ribbon to each one.  They quickly became cheerful givers!

Here’s what one parent recently told us:

I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the bag of birthday gifts for my daughter who turned 9. I am overwhelmed by your generosity, and I praise God for people like you who give generously of their time and the donation. My daughter was excited to receive some new toys. For me, a Mom, I am struggling to pay bills and was unsure how to celebrate with my daughter until I was blessed with your generous gift. Thank You! My needs were met at a difficult time in my life so my daughter was not disappointed. Thank YOU!                   Sincerely, Deanna

Join the Cheerful Givers Birthday Club today!

While the Swarm lost to the Orlando Titans in overtime, a group of kids from the Youth Box Lacrosse Team enjoyed showing their skills on the field at the Xcel Energy Center during half-time.

We were also pleased to have an information table to introduce Cheerful Givers to those attending the game.

We are most grateful for a wonderful donation of these amazing toys!