Joy in July: Two Sisters, One Shared Birthday, and a Whole Lot of Heart

How Annabelle and Lucia are using their summer to spread birthday joy—and how you can too

At Birthday Wishes, we believe every child deserves to feel celebrated on their birthday, especially during moments of uncertainty. That includes teens experiencing homelessness, who are too often overlooked when it comes to childhood milestones.

While younger kids get balloons and party hats, many teens in shelters have never had a birthday celebration or the chance to choose something just for themselves.

That’s why we created Joy in July.

This summer, we’re on a mission to collect 1,000 gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, or Target —each valued at $25—so we can give teens across five states the power to pick something meaningful for their birthday. Whether it’s new shoes, a hoodie, a journal, or headphones, every card says: You are seen. You are worth celebrating.

Our goal? Raise $25,000 by the end of July.

And two sisters from Massachusetts are showing us how it’s done.

Kids Helping Kids

“We want other kids to feel like they matter on their birthday. Getting to choose something for yourself can make you feel seen,” said Annabelle.

“It’s fun to do this together, and it feels really good knowing we’re helping someone smile,” added Lucia.

Meet Annabelle and Lucia

Annabelle and Lucia are going into 6th and 4th grade—and though they’re two years apart, they share the same birthday. At their house, birthdays are a big deal: cake for breakfast, decorations, and a day full of joy.

But this year, they decided to make someone else’s birthday special, too.

“We know that not everyone gets to have a big celebration like us,” they said. “That’s why we’re helping Birthday Wishes with Joy in July.”

The sisters launched their own fundraising page, started making homemade bracelets, soaps, and pens to sell, and even began offering pet sitting services, donating 50% of their earnings to the campaign.

Within one week, they passed their $1,000 goal. Now they’re reaching for $1,500.

We’re Looking for 25 Changemakers

To reach our $25,000 goal, we’re inviting 25 individuals, families, companies, or teams to each raise $1,000 this July.

Whether you host a lemonade stand, rally your coworkers, sell crafts like Annabelle and Lucia, or launch a digital fundraiser—you can be one of the 25 to help us deliver joy and dignity to teens who need it most.

You don’t have to be big to make a big impact—you just have to start.

Three Ways to Join the Joy in July Movement:

• Start Your Own Fundraiser
  Set a goal, personalize your page, and inspire your community.

• Support an Existing Campaign
  Find a fundraiser—like Annabelle and Lucia’s—and help them hit their target.

• Make a Direct Gift
  Every $25 puts the power of choice into a teen’s hands.

This July, Let’s Lead with Joy

From driveways to boardrooms, lemonade stands to virtual campaigns, we can make birthdays brighter for teens who’ve gone too long without celebration.

Join the movement. Bring the joy. Be one of the 25 who helps us reach $25,000—one gift card, one birthday, one teen at a time.

Because being a teen should still include celebration, dignity, and cake.