Donor Impact: A Birthday Celebration for Lexi

Thanks to your support, Birthday Wishes continues to bring joy and hope to children experiencing homelessness. You know that a birthday is more than just a party—it’s a milestone that fosters self-worth, confidence, and connection. With your generosity, we provide families in shelters with everything they need to celebrate, ensuring that no child has to miss out on the joy of their special day. 

Lexi’s fourth birthday could have passed quietly. Her mother, who had fled home due to a harmful living situation, was focused on rebuilding their lives. But thanks to Birthday Wishes, Lexi’s special day was filled with joy, laughter, and hope. 

“I didn’t think I’d be able to do anything for her birthday this year,” Lexi’s mom shared. “We had to leave everything behind, and I wasn’t sure how to make her feel special.” When she received the Birthday Wishes birthday box, she was overwhelmed with gratitude. Inside was everything she needed: a birthday cake mix, candles, decorations, and brand new wrapped gifts - books, puzzles, and a doll Lexi immediately hugged tight. 

Nicole Kepnes, Senior Program and Volunteer Manager at Birthday Wishes, shares, "At Birthday Wishes, we believe that every child deserves to feel special on their birthday, no matter their circumstances. Our goal is to support the whole family, helping them move forward, celebrate today, and embrace their future. By providing caregivers with everything they need to host a birthday party in a shelter, we empower them to create joyful memories for their children. Our evidence-based programming has shown that these celebrations help families heal from trauma, strengthen the caregiver-child bond, and support a child’s emotional and academic development." 

For Lexi’s mom, the experience was transformative. "The past few months have been about rebuilding—finding stability after escaping a harmful situation, working toward my nursing degree so I can support my daughter, and trying to get back on my feet. It’s been especially hard for Lexi—changing schools, making new friends, and healing from the trauma we both endured. But watching her smile, seeing her excited to blow out the candles—I can’t put into words how much it meant to us. It reminded me that we’re not just surviving; we’re healing, together." 

Through Birthday Wishes, families like Lexi’s find strength in celebration. A simple birthday party becomes a stepping stone toward hope, resilience, and the belief in brighter days ahead. 

Birthday Wishes does not receive state or federal funding. It is because of our foundation, corporate, and individual donor support that we can provide these moments for Lexi and her Mom. Thank you for your support and dedication. Together, we can support families experiencing homelessness through milestone celebrations all year long.