The project was the idea of young people in her husband’s church.
“Our mission is to spread love through the simple joy of birthday parties to underprivileged children,” Calvert said.
She and volunteers — more always are needed — are doing that through organizing birthday parties at locations including the Clubhouse program at Garden Manor, the Lincoln Community Center and the Reading for Change program, all in Troy. They also provide parties in a box for foster families and others caring for a child having a birthday.
The goal is to continue to grow the organization across Miami County and beyond, Calvert said.
Another goal is to “stay true to the simple birthday parties,” she said.
The parties are mobile, with everything needed for a monthly party for all children who participate in any one of the programs, packed in plastic tubs and taken to the location. Volunteers transport decorations, tablecloths, balloons and homemade cupcakes provided by the We Love Birthday Parties team of cupcake baking volunteers.
Those celebrating birthdays are seated at a special table. The celebrants receive small gift bags with items such as toiletries, school supplies and fruit. They also get to select a gift from a gift table holding items ranging in price from $15 to $25.
Each child receives a cupcake, those attending sing happy birthday and those celebrating make a wish. “We let them know they are special,” Calvert said.
“I wanted it to be the same as what my children had,” Calvert said of the birthday party formula and her two children, who now are grown.
The organization runs off donations of money, party supplies, gifts and other items. It has a Go Fund Me account, has received foundation support and is holding several fundraisers this summer. We Love Birthday Parties also has a donations location at 121 E. Main St., downtown.
Donations are accepted the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until noon.
“We really need funds right now as we are seeing the effects of the drug epidemic. We seeing kids going uncelebrated,” Calvert said.
For more information, including information on items needed, visit www.welovebirthdayparties.org. The organization also is on Facebook and Instagram. Those interested in volunteering can contact Calvert at shellycalvert15@gmail.com.
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