Birthday Boxes

Mission: We aim to bring cheer to the lives of DeKalb County area youth (ages 1-18), that are designated as “in need,” through the donation of birthday boxes and by hosting monthly birthday parties at local agencies.

The idea behind Honors' long-term service project, new for the 2011-2012 academic year, is to collect shoe boxes and transform them into the ultimate birthday present for children ages 0-18 that have been designated as "in-need" in the DeKalb County area. All of the items we collect and use for Birthday Boxes have been donated by generous individuals in our community.

Interested in becoming part of this great service learning project? There are many ways for students, faculty, staff, and those in the community to help. We need volunteers to collect donations (e.g., shoe boxes, wrapping paper, toys), stuff and decorate boxes, make birthday cards, bake cupcakes, and come with us to deliver these birthday boxes and throw birthday parties for children at local organizations. Please review the dates below regarding these opportunities. 

Can't attend a Birthday Box Event? You can always donate items to be used for Birthday Box making. We accept new toys, assorted gift cards, wrapping paper, and pantry items needed to bake cakes. Donations can be sent or dropped off in the University Honors office (Campus Life 110).

Future Cupcake/Birthday Box Making Nights:

• Thursday, September 27, 2012
• Thursday, October 25, 2012 (make Halloween treats as well)
• Thursday, November 29, 2012 (make Christmas treats as well)
• Wednesday, February  6, 2013 (make valentines treats @ Souper Wednesday)
• Tuesday , March 5, 2013 (Honors House event)
• Tuesday, April 2, 2013 (Honors House event)

Future Birthday Party Dates:

• Friday, September 28, 2012
• Friday, October 26, 2012
• Wednesday, October 31, 2012 (Halloween Treat Drop-off)
• Friday, November 30, 2012
• Thursday, December 6, 2012 (Christmas Treat Drop-off)
• Wednesday, February 6, 2013 (Valentines Treat Drop-off)
• Wednesday, March 6, 2013
• Wednesday, May 1, 2013

To learn more, join our group on Facebook-NIU Birthday Boxes-or send an email to University Fellow, Jacquie Beck, atjacquie.beck@sbcglobal.net.