Birthday Club Visits MD Fox Elementary School

Several new Birthday Club members made donations to MD Fox Elementary School. The members discussed the many hardships faced by the Fox kids, many of who are refugees. They decided their gifts should be used for emergancy supplies and uniforms.

Donation Idea by Ricky age 12

My sister and I thought we could help raise money for the Hartford school kids by donating money to the Birthday Club as part of a friend's birthday gift. See our "Make a Donation" certificate. It feels good to be part of the Hartford kids lives in a meaningful way and giving back to the community. To check it out for yourself go to Batchelder School or MD Fox Elementary. Helping these kids makes my day.

Birthday Club Visits MD Fox Elementary School

On May 26th, 9 Birthday Club members made a visit to MD Fox Elementary School. They met with Mr Lorenzo, the principal and Mrs Bedula, the school social worker. Discussed were the many challenges faced by the school and their students who are primarily refugees from 28, yes 28, different countries. Over 90% of the Fox students live at below the poverty line. The students were given a wish list of items needed by the students. The list included items such as uniforms and school supplies to the most basic household necessities.

The children felt very good about the visit and some started collecting books for the Fox kids summer reading ,a luxury item for most of them.

Birthday Club to Visit M D Fox Elementary School

On May 26th the Birthday Club will be making their donations to the MD Fox Elementary School in Hartford, Connecticut. Attending the meeting will be students from the Avon Middle School and Kingswood Oxford. The children will be given a wish list from Fox and will choose from the list where they would like to see their money used.

90% of the students at MD Fox live at or below the poverty line ($22,000 per year). Most are immigrants. They come from 28 different countries and speak 14 different languages. The principal, teachers and social workers are extremely dedicated. We are happy to be able to help them. Anyone interested in attending is welcome to join us.

Kingswood Oxford Students Participate In The Birthday Club

The Wyverns have gotten into the act. Two Kingswood Oxford Students (West Hartford, Connecticut) recently asked for donations in lieu of birthday gifts. Together they raised a whopping $605.00!! They plan on donating the money to needy kids in the Hartford area.
Way to go kids!!

Birthday Club Founders 4 Years Later

Richard, Dylan and Jimmy are still good friends, still like to bowl and still donating their birthday money to local children in need. Happy 12th Birthday Guys!

Birthday Club Founder Receives Community Service Award

Kohl's Department Store in Homestead Florida recently recognized the founder of the Birthday Club by awarding him the "Kohls Kids Who Care" Community Service Award. Congratulations to the club and all its members.
Your most recent visit (December 2009) to the children's shelter shows your continued dedication to helping children less fortunate than you. Keep up the good work!

May 20th Birthday Club Meeting at Children's Shelter

On May 20th, 10 members of the Birthday Club met at the Florida Keys Children's Shelter. The children represented the Key Largo School and the Academy at Ocean Reef. Unfortunately, a new member from Island Christian School had to cancel last minute.

The children discussed issues facing the residents and ways in which to spend their gift. The suggestions were gift cards, pizza, yoga mats, wii games and movies.

Attending the meeting was a representative from the Florida Keys Youth Sports Foundation who offered to help the residents get involved with after school sports programs like football, basketball and cheerleading.

The next visit is planned for December.

May 20th, Next Visit to the Children's Shelter

On May 20th, at 4pm, the Birthday Club will visit the Florida Keys Children's Shelter. There are several students from KLS that will be making their first visit. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, whether a member or just thinking about joining. This promises to be a very fulfilling experience for all.

New Birthday Club Members

Childrens Shelter Buys Wii Systems For Their Homes

Thanks to all the members of the Birthday Club who visited the Florida Keys Children's Shelter December 6th. The shelter used your donations as you suggested and and bought Wii systems for their homes! The residents of the shelter are enjoying them.

Unsung Heroes

The Birthday Club has been honored by being nominated by the Florida Keys Children' s Shelter for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys "Unsung Hero Award". The award will be given our January 30th 2009 in Key West. Congratulations to all the members!

George's Birthday Party

I went to George's birthday party. I had fun. Instead of getting presents, he asked for $5.00. He is giving the money to the children's shelter so they can do something fun like go to the movies, or bowling. I hope that the children's shelter likes it.

Why the Birthday Club is Important to Me

The Birthday Club is important to me because God has blessed me with a wonderful life and many opportunities. So I want to help those less fortunate. One way I am able to help other children is by being a member of the Birthday Club. It makes me feel good to be able to give my birthday money to other children who do not have a lot. Making a difference in other children's lives is the best feeling I could have. I hope they can use the money to get something they will love forever.
By Trish, age nine.

Dylan From The McDonogh School, Maryland

Dylan is a true friend to disadvantaged high school students. He donates his birthday money to Minds Matter http://www.mindsmatter.org/ This organization pairs mentors with low income kids to help them succeed in school. Dylan is a three-year member of the Birthday Club. Great job, Dylan!

Birthday Club Members

SEND US A PICTURE OF YOUR BIRTHDAY CLUB KID!

AOR Chapter Birthday Club To Visit Children's Shelter

The AOR chapter of the Birthday Club has scheduled it's visit to the Florida Keys Children's Shelter December 6th at 10am. During the visit the children will make their donations and suggest ways in which the residents of the shelter use the money. In the past, the children have asked the money be used "for something fun".
The club will be meeting with Kathy Teull CEO, and Janey Miller CDO from the shelter. The children always have many questions about the shelter, and they are fielded very patiently and gently by the two ladies. Parents are encouraged to attend. It promises to be a very rewarding experience for all.

Key Largo School Embraces The Birthday Club

On September 26th , two students from the Key Largo School along with their moms and one of the founders of the Birthday Club, an Academy at Ocean Reef student, met with the principal of KLS. The purpose of the meeting was to ask permission to start their own Birthday Club.



The principal thought it was a great idea and said yes. The official sign ups were to begin today October 9, however 37 students have already committed! It appears that the response will be overwhelming. KLS parents have a lot to be proud of. Congratulations to all involved!