No Child Goes Hungry (NCGH) is pleased to provide a $1,000 donation to Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP) of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The grant will help fund its children’s Birthday Bag program. The initiative provides parents in need with party décor, favors, plus a cake or cupcake to ensure that every child feels celebrated and cared for on their birthday. The cost to provide one birthday bag plus CEAP essentials for one child requires $30 in financial support.
For the last 49 years, CEAP staff, volunteers, and supporters have worked tirelessly to be truly in community and with community—meeting every neighbor where they are at.
“The last year has highlighted and exacerbated the racial and economic disparities that have existed in our community for decades,” said Kalleah Kennedy, CEAP Director of Advancement. “Our neighbors will not be able to come back economically for some time, and CEAP continues to jump in to fill the gap, support our community, and propel neighbors forward into our ‘new’ normal.”
Kennedy explained that CEAP’s Birthday program is a successful way to support families in need who lack the financial resources to provide a traditional celebration for their child’s birthday.
“One of the special things CEAP provides for its participant families is a “Birthday Bag” for each child’s birthday. Parents can pick up a bag filled with candles, cake decorations, party favors for six to eight kids, themed plates and napkins, colorful party decoration, and small toys or crafts—basically anything that would make a child’s birthday party fun. Parents can also pick up one birthday cake or cupcakes. We are grateful that No Child Goes Hungry recognizes the value of this program and is helping support its funding.”
“The issue of food insecurity is incredibly complex,” said No Child Goes Hungry Founder and Director Kären Rasmussen. “While we cannot overlook the basic needs of ensuring that children receive three square meals daily, we also must remember that families that struggle financially are too often unable to provide their children with so many other life experiences, such as birthday celebrations. I’m thrilled to partner with CEAP to help fund its Birthday Bag program and ensure financial struggles never steal a child’s birthday.”
To learn how NCGH can help support your local hunger advocacy initiative, contact us today.