Birthday Blessings
Wondering how you can make a difference in the life of an at-risk child? Birthday Blessings is holding their 2nd annual Toy Drive in July to meet needs and spread cheer in the Missouri foster community. Locally, they provide services to approximately 160 children in state custody through the 2nd Circuit Children’s Division in Adair, Lewis and Knox counties.
The event will be moderated by Jake Rigdon, a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors and a staff member of the 18th Circuit Children’s Division in Sedalia. After working in the foster system for over twelve years, she has witnessed the impact of the Birthday Blessing programs on this community.
“There are so many things that need to happen when a child comes into daycare that birthdays or other special events often go unnoticed,” says Rigdon. “Some children come into daycare and have never had a birthday party or a gift. When they come into the office and see the birthday bags, they get so excited!”
“We had a teen who cried when he got a graduation bag from Birthday Blessings. He was overwhelmed that someone would think of him and his graduation,” she said. “We had another teen who was transitioning to independent living and couldn’t cook. The nonprofit gave her a toaster, pans and basic utensils so she could prepare meals at home.”
Seeing the impact the nonprofit had on children in foster care gave her the idea to hold an annual toy drive. She approached the board of directors with the idea and they unanimously approved it.
“July is a great time for this event. People aren’t focused on other holidays like Christmas. I thought this would be a great way for any community to support kids locally,” Rigdon explained. “Last year was our first year. We put together a team and put it out there through local media and online. We were really pleased with the amount of support we got.”
Shannon VonAllmen, the organization’s executive director, was excited to try the idea. It was unlike any fundraiser they had done in the past.
“We serve children in 30 counties across the state, so typical fundraising events like a gala aren’t effective for us. This was a way for people of all stripes to get involved,” VonAllmen said. “This toy drive is an opportunity for people, regardless of geographic location, to bring kindness and joy to the lives of children.”
Currently, Birthday Blessings is most in need of gifts for teens. Suggested items include high-end Lego sets, sports balls, fishing equipment, KC Chiefs or Cardinals merchandise, earbuds, gaming headsets, lotion or bath sets, makeup or nail polish sets, craft sets, board games and snacks that do not expire before 2025.
They also need gifts that are safe for toddlers. The most requested items include developmental toys, toys that light up or make sounds, vehicles, dolls and toys to push across the floor or help a child learn to walk. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Bluey and Cocomelon are popular with this age group.
The promotion starts on July 1 and runs until July 31. There are collection boxes in Kirksville at First Assembly of God Church, First Church of God, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Stage Babies Dance Company. Monetary donations can be made at www.birthday-blessings.org/donate. There is an Amazon wish list on their website and Facebook page. Purchased items are shipped directly to their building.
Items must be new and unopened, with no written or organizational advertising on them. For more information, call 417-372-5306 or email [email protected].