Birthday Service Projects for Kids

What? No cupcakes?

Several local school districts have recently implemented policies that limit, discourage or even ban food from classroom activities.

Glencoe’s District 35 policy states, for example, that “no food may be brought into school for classroom activities.” Instead, they request “that parents honor their child’s birthday in ways such as:

  • Donating a book to the school library or classroom
  • Reading a book to the class
  • Making cards for men and women in the military, or other ‘Give Back’ activities to promote service learning.”

You know that on your child’s big day, you’re expected to stop the Earth’s rotation if asked. So how will you respond to those big eyes pleading, “Will you please bring cupcakes?”

A mom of two sweet-lovers, I’ve given this some serious thought. Is there a way to generate real enthusiasm for a foodless celebration? Luckily, there is!

We’ve got some tips on how to create your own service project that’s been kid tested and mother approved.

Choose a cause that you and your kids can really get behind: Who would your child get excited about helping? Pets without homes? People who are hungry? Kids who don’t have access to books? The possibilities are endless, but by giving your child the opportunity to choose the cause, you’re giving them a real connection to the project.

Do some research:  Find an organization that helps the group you’ve chosen. What does that organization need that a classroom of kids can really get involved with providing?  You may find it helpful to search the organization’s website for ideas about different ways to give.

Consider cost: It’s OK to say no to projects that are outside of your budget.

It’s also OK to use this as an opportunity to teach and model your family’s values about giving.

Try explaining: “With your allowance, you spend a third, save a third and give a third. Parents do the same thing. We estimate how much we might spend on gifts or a party; then we donate (and save) a similar amount.”

Plan your project: Think about the amount of time will you need and reserve with the teacher. Check with the nonprofit organization to be sure that you have the appropriate materials, and ask for any tips the organization might have for working with a bigger (and younger) group.

Think about how you’ll present the project.  

Remember to celebrate your child! Talk with the class about why they think the cause is important. You may consider giving the project materials to your child as an actual wrapped birthday present, so that she feels generous sharing the gift with her classmates.

Use books to help the kids make meaningful connections to their own lives without overwhelming them:

Inspire the class to continue helping their community. These books may give you ideas:

Not feeling the service project creativity? Follow the steps below for a meaningful service project designed for second to fourth graders.

I tested this project with my third grader, who said, “Thanks, Mom. That was one of my favorite birthday gifts! I was surprised that my class really seemed to like it; they were pretty much quiet the whole time!”

Detailed Instructions for a Service Project: Making Hygiene Kits for The Night Ministry, a Chicago-based secular nonprofit that helps people struggling with poverty and homelessness.

1. Order enough toiletries for each child in the class to make a kit. The easiest and fastest way:

  • Contact Weiner’s, Ltd. at 800-788-8601 or email sandra@weinersltd.com.
  • Ask for Sandra; request The Night Ministry’s hygiene products. They’ll ship enough products for 24 complete hygiene kits with a few extras left over (Weiner’s Ltd. gave us their B2B prices without sales tax! Total cost about $160).
  • You may want to have the items shipped directly to the school; it’s a big box!

2. Reserve a time for the project (45 minutes to an hour) with the teacher.

3. On the day of the project, take the supplies and gallon-sized Ziploc bags (one per kit).

4. Arrive early to arrange the supplies in a place where kids can form a line and drop one of each thing in their bag

5. Introduce the project and ask the kids to make a picture so that the person receiving the kit knows that care went into the gift. Remind them not to use last names for safety reasons.

6. While the group draws, several children at a time can assemble their kits.

7. Deliver or send the kits to The Night Ministry: 4711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL  60640-4407.  Don’t let delivery keep you from the project; just call and request a volunteer pick-up!

For more information on other group service project opportunities with The Night Ministry, which are appropriate for various ages, contact Aidan McCormack at 773-506-6004 or by email ataidan@thenightministry.org.

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