With the help of incredible volunteers, Cheerful Givers has grown significantly since 1994 when 700 bags were distributed. In 2002, Cheerful Givers provided 11,329 children with birthday bags and 18,580 children received bags in 2003.

In 2004 we reached 22,930 children and involved 925 volunteers in the process.  In 2009, birthday bags were received by  37,351  kids and 2,988 volunteers donated 6,056 volunteer hours valued at $122,634.

The uniqueness of our organization and our accomplishments have been profiled in People Magazine, USA Today “Hot Sites”, Women Online, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota Parent Magazine, KARE 11TV live news coverage, FM 107 live radio interview and newspaper articles in The Catholic Spirit, The Metro Lutheran, and several other newspapers.

In 2009 we reached a milestone of providing 300,000 birthday bags since being founded in 1994 and  received the 2009 Minnesota Touchstone Energy State Award.

We have partnered with local sport teams including:
- Minnesota Twins game & Minnesota Twins wives support
- Minnesota Wild charity-of-the-month in April ‘09
- Minnesota Timberwolves game – Second place in “Season of Giving”
- Minnesota Timberwolves – “Hero in the Making” award
- Minnesota Vikings filled birthday bags
- Minnesota Vikings Children’s Fund support

Additional Community Successes Include:

• Delaware author wrote book about Cheerful Givers
• Established on-line donations and a method for car donations
• Presented Presidential Volunteer Service Award to two of our volunteer groups and our Volunteer-of-the-Year
• Created e-birthday and thank you  cards which are now available on our website
• Selected by Volunteer Match as a Community Leader
• Held  “The Great Minnesota Birthday Party” at the Mall of America annually from 2005-2010 to recognize children everywhere who don’t get to celebrate their birthday and featured local celebrities.
• Created and distribute monthly e-newsletter to more than 2,800 subscribers
• Established pilot programs in Washington, Tennessee and North Dakota
• Introduced Cheerful Givers to various corporations, schools, faith-based and civic groups as well as families