Birthday Buddies program celebrates children in shelter

Are you, or someone you know, marking a milestone birthday this year? Celebrate yourself or honor a loved one by becoming a Birthday Buddy for children in our domestic violence shelters, and ensure their special day is festive, too.YWCA Dayton serves approximately 30 children in shelter every month. Our children’s program team works hard to make sure celebrations can continue, especially birthdays. We hold monthly birthday parties for our shelter children to help them celebrate, complete with cake, games, and gifts.

There are four ways to be a Birthday Buddy:

1. Sponsor a Birthday Party for $150, which covers decorations, cake, snacks, gifts, and party games. Perfect if you’re short on time! We are also seeking venues to donate their space for an afternoon for a birthday party.Donate now or contact info@ywcadayton.org for more details.
2. Host a Birthday Party by volunteering your time to help set up and decorate, lead party games, and assist with cleanup. Parties are held the first week of every month. Great if you want to provide hands-on help!Email volunteers@ywcadayton.org now to sign up.
3. Support a Birthday Party by donating a party kit (see items below). Ideal for groups and organizations!Download a donation drive toolkit or contact info@ywcadayton.org for more details.
4. Celebrate Your Birthday with impact by starting a Facebook fundraiser in support of YWCA Dayton. Also helps to raise awareness!CLICK HERE for easy step-by-step instructions or follow THIS LINK.

We accept new/unused items; we cannot accept items that are damaged, broken and/or missing parts.Birthday Party Kits*Serves approximately 30*Decorations (balloons, streamers, centerpieces, etc.; themed items — carnival, animals, etc. — welcome and appreciated!)Birthday sheet cake & candlesPlates, cups, utensils & napkinsIndividually-wrapped snacks & drinksDisposable tablecloths (rectangular)Gifts (board games, toys, books, etc.; contact us for current ages being celebrated)$25 Walmart gift card (included with every child’s gift to assist with family necessities)Wrapping paper, tape, tissue paper & gift bagsBirthday cardsParty games (pin the head, Bingo, minute to win it, etc.)Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipesGarbage bags