This Wisconsin non-profit throws parties for kids in need

Credit: Box of Balloons

By Christina Lorey

February 1, 2024

A proper birthday party is an annual right of passage for most elementary school-age kids. Unfortunately, throwing one isn’t possible for many families. In Wisconsin, roughly 15% of kids live below the poverty line–enough to fill Lambeau Field twice.

That’s where Box of Balloons comes in. With 32 chapters in 25 states, including 10 in Wisconsin, the non-profit works with social workers to identify kids under 12 in need who otherwise won’t have a birthday party, and sends them a “birthday box” filled with decorations, tableware, party favors, games, cupcakes, and a gift.

How You Can Help:

🎁 Build a Box. It takes about $100 to do so. If you’re feeling creative, you can fill out this quick form, and Box of Balloons will send you a theme and a due date, and you get to put together a fun party for a kid in need!

🎁 Donate. There are roughly 19 million birthdays a day, and you can help make those birthdays happy. All donations are tax deductible. Click here to donate via Venmo, PayPal, or by mail.

🎁 Volunteer. Find a chapter near you and sign up to be added to their volunteer list! You’ll receive emails of donation requests in your area, and you can either help fill them yourself or find others who can. Click here to get on the list.

Box of Balloons also has a fun online shop that sells birthday kits, clothes, jewelry, cards, books, and more, where all the proceeds benefit the nonprofit.

MORE: 3 Ways Wisconsin Is Tackling Its Kids’ Mental Health Crisis

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina is an Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist and former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, you can find her volunteering with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and various mental health organizations. Send all story tips to [email protected] and sign up for her newsletter here.

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CATEGORIES: COMMUNITY

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