FAQ
Here you can find answers to some common questions about Birthday Wishes:
General Questions
Who do you serve?
Birthday Wishes currently serves children aged 1-18, exclusively through a network of vetted homeless shelters and partner agencies throughout New England and Long Island.
Can I request birthday gifts directly from Birthday Wishes?
At this time, we are only able to provide services to families who are currently connected with one of our partner shelters or agencies.
I am experiencing hardship. How can I receive help with a birthday celebration for my child?
If you are living in a shelter or working with a social service agency, please ask your program representative if they partner with Birthday Wishes. If they do not, they are welcome to contact us for more information.
Your local food pantry and/or the Salvation Army may be able to provide assistance or connect you with additional resources.
How does a shelter or agency become a partner?
Organizations interested in partnering with Birthday Wishes can contact us. We review each request to ensure we can effectively serve the children in their program.
Working through trusted agencies allows us to verify needs, protect family privacy, and ensure gifts reach children experiencing homelessness.
Donations
I have leftover birthday paper goods and supplies. Can I donate them?
If you have any brand-new items in unopened packages you’d like to donate, please contact us and list exactly what you have. This will help us determine whether the items align with our current program needs.
We are unable to accept used or partially used packages of birthday supplies.
What types of gifts do you need most, and accept?
Brand new, unopened packaged toys, gifts and gift cards (Amazon, Target, Walmart) for children ages 1-18 - visit our donate gifts page to learn what types of items we can and cannot accept. Contact us to learn about our real-time needs.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Birthday Wishes is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
Volunteering
How can I volunteer for Birthday Wishes?
At this time, we do not offer in-office volunteer opportunities. However, there are many meaningful ways to support our mission! We are always looking for volunteers to help organize fundraising efforts and host collection drives to gather the funds and birthday items needed to support our programs.
How can I organize a collection drive?
You can organize a drive with your family, school, workplace, community center, faith organization, or neighborhood group.
Before getting started, please contact us to learn about our current needs. We will provide a list of the specific birthday items, gifts, or supplies most needed at the time of your inquiry, ensuring that your collection drive has the greatest possible impact.
Do you offer service projects for corporate volunteer days and team-building events?
Absolutely! We offer on-site corporate service projects that provide a meaningful and engaging way for teams to support our mission while giving back to the community. These events are available in exchange for a donation that helps fund Birthday Wishes programs and services.
Please contact us and share details about your group, including your preferred date or time frame, the number of participants, and your budget. We will work with you to create a rewarding experience that makes a direct impact on the children and families we serve.