West Plains, Mo. – Birthday Blessings is having a Thanksgiving Double the Impact Campaign from November 19th-25th. An anonymous supporter offered to match monetary gifts dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $3500 during this time. This is an excellent opportunity for people to double the impact of their donation in the Missouri foster community.
Birthday Blessings is a 501c3 organization founded in West Plains in 2013 and has grown to serve kids in many Missouri counties. They collaborate with the 37th Circuit Children’s Division and 37th Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocates Organization to assist area foster kids. This includes children and teens from Carter, Howell, Oregon and Shannon Counties.
“As a non-profit, we rely on donations to operate. We don’t charge anyone for resources and we don’t get any government funding. I was very excited when someone contacted us to do November donor match event!” stated Shannon VonAllmen, executive director of Birthday Blessings.
VonAllmen said 2021 has been busy in the 37th Circuit. The charity has given more than 150 foster children birthday bags with party supplies and gifts. They sent out 79 new duffle bags and/or backpacks to kids, cutting down on the use of trash bags for moving or school.
They provided 22 kids with Loneliest Child Care Packages and 27 kids with Easter baskets. They honored 7 high school graduates for their accomplishments and provided two young adults transitioning to independent living with household goods. They also replaced wood on unserviceable picnic tables at the Children’s Division office so families could have visits outside.
Connie Pendergrass, Executive Director at the 37th Judicial CASA, has personally delivered Loneliest Child Care Packages and other resources to local foster kids.
“The Birthday Blessings mission is to strive to meet children’s emotional and physical needs while they are in state care. Without this partnership, many of our children may not experience the joy of feeling loved on their special occasions,” Pendergrass said. “Birthday Blessings provide a spark of joy, happiness and the feeling of being loved to our children in care. They are truly a blessing!”
The faith-based non-profit is inviting local individuals, civic groups, and businesses get involved with their mission. For more information visit www.birthday-blessings.org or contact VonAllmen at 417-372-5306. Donations can be made on their website or mailed to Birthday Blessings, 429 Aid Ave, West Plains MO 65775.
Photo: Volunteers Judy Johnsen, Squeekie Wilson and Director Kathy Delgado make Birthday Bouquets for kids in Carter, Howell, Oregon and Shannon Counties.
Photo: Connie Pendergrass, Executive Director of 37th Judicial CASA, volunteers at Birthday Blessings. These organizations collaborate to meet needs and spread cheer in the local foster community.
Photo: Shannon VonAllmen, Executive Director of Birthday Blessings, works on Christmas Loneliest Child Care Packages. These seasonal care packages go to foster kids who have no family, very few social connections, and often live in residential facilities. Packages are designed to add an emotional boost to recipients.
