Shannon VonAllmen grew up in the small, rural town of Warrenton, Missouri. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, she loved volunteering at her school and church. Though she didn’t have a particular focus, she enjoyed every opportunity to help others.
Then, in early 2013, inspiration struck. Shannon recalled a high school friend who had to move homes using trash bags. That memory lingered in her mind until one morning, while watching KY3 News, she saw a story about a woman providing birthday parties and gifts to children living in poverty. That was her lightbulb moment. And so, Birthday Blessings was born.
What started on her kitchen counter quickly expanded. “I would have to say my kids are the volunteers I owe the most thanks to,” Shannon shared with a smile. “For the first ten years, the nonprofit operated out of my house. It grew from my kitchen counter to taking over the bottom floor. My kids were used to helping me load and unload supplies, cope with limited living space, and welcome volunteers into our home. Thankfully, two years ago, a generous volunteer loaned us a building. But my kids still help!”
Founded in 2013, Birthday Blessings has fulfilled countless dreams by providing birthday parties, presents, beds, and essentials to children in foster care—kids who might otherwise go without. The organization’s mission is simple yet profound: to meet the physical and emotional needs of children in foster care, making them feel seen, valued, and loved.
Shannon is quick to emphasize that the organization’s success is built on community support. “Time is the most precious resource we have,” she explained. “Our volunteers donate their time to make every child feel like they’re the only child we serve. This includes our gift-wrapping teams, board members, drivers, and the incredible advocates at Children’s Division and CASA. Dozens of people are involved every month to keep operations running smoothly.”
Birthday Blessings is entirely funded by donations from individuals, businesses, civic groups, foundations, and other nonprofits. There are many ways to get involved—whether by giving financially or donating new, unopened birthday party supplies and gifts.
How Birthday Blessings Brings Joy to Foster Children:
Birthday Parties:
Tailored party packages include decorations, gifts, and supplies delivered to children through partnered agencies. Parties are packed in duffel bags or backpacks, ensuring kids don’t have to rely on trash bags for moving or school. Many foster children face emotional trauma, so packages often include art therapy supplies, cuddly toys, personal bedding, and hygiene products. Every party is customized to the child’s unique needs.
Loneliest Child Care Packages:
Three times a year, care packages are sent to children in residential facilities with no family connections. These thoughtful bundles contain encouraging cards, snacks, and items designed to support emotional healing and promote positive peer interactions.
Next Step Baskets:
As foster teens transition to independent living, they often lack basic household necessities. While the state provides a $100 gift card, Birthday Blessings supplements this with baskets full of essentials—cleaning supplies, kitchen towels, toilet brushes—so teens can use their funds for other urgent needs.
Graduation Recognition Bags:
With high dropout rates among foster youth, Birthday Blessings honors those who earn a high school diploma, HiSET certification, or post-secondary degree—acknowledging their hard work and perseverance.
Baby Blessings Baskets:
Teen mothers in foster care receive vital supplies for their newborns, covering the gap until state stipends begin 30 days after the baby’s birth.
Bedding:
Personal bedding offers comfort and stability during frequent moves, supporting healthier sleep and emotional well-being.
Special Requests:
In partnership with Children’s Division and CASA, the organization fulfills urgent needs—whether it’s formula when WIC vouchers are delayed or a weed-eater for a foster teen starting a lawn-care business.
Bunny Blessings Baskets:
Easter baskets bring a touch of joy to children who might otherwise go without. One CASA advocate shared that a teen cried upon receiving hers—it was the first Easter gift she’d received in four years.
Shannon VonAllmen’s philosophy is simple yet profound:
“Every day is an opportunity to make the world a kinder place. It doesn’t have to be expensive or grand. It can be as simple as checking on a neighbor or friend. We often underestimate our ability to positively impact others. There’s so much kindness in the world, but it often gets drowned out by the noise of negativity. Every item we send to these kids is possible because of the generosity of others.”
Why This Work Matters: A Look at Foster Care in the U.S.
- Over 437,000 children are currently in foster care nationwide.
- On average, children wait 3 to 4 years (or more) to be adopted.
- Roughly 20,500 youth age out of foster care each year without family reunification.
- Of those who age out:
- 25% are incarcerated within two years.
- 50% never graduate high school.
- 20% become homeless shortly after leaving the system.
How You Can Help
Birthday Blessings is changing lives one gift, one party, and one child at a time—but they can’t do it alone. By volunteering or donating, you can help a child in foster care feel valued and celebrated.
Donate. Volunteer. Make a difference.
You might just be the reason a child smiles on their birthday.
