Video: High School Senior Throws Birthday Parties for Children in Homeless Shelters

It was Jack’s birthday this past week, and fortunately for him we were able to throw him an amazing birthday party. Soon after the party, I saw this story/video on CBS News, which made me realize how lucky he really is, not only to have a party but to have a loving family and a home, as well. It blows my mind and breaks my heart that there are kids who don’t have homes. Having a child has honestly been the most rewarding and fun thing I’ve ever done. I sometimes wish I’d started earlier, but ultimately, I’m happy I didn’t because if I had, I’d now be missing out on these younger years, which I find so precious.

The CBS News story introduces Tanvi Barman, a 17-year-old who spends most of her free time traveling around the Bay Area to throw birthday parties for homeless kids. No Birthday Left Behind is the name of the charity, which she’s been operating since the eighth grade. She personalizes each party, brings in a face painter and gets a birthday cake from another charity called Cakes for Kids. After hearing about her and her desire to expand to other cities, I realized I needed to feature her story and her charity to help.

“A birthday party is such a big experience for a child and I think it was one of my favorite memories growing up,” Barman told CBS News. “We all look forward to our birthdays ever year. We all do. And it’s sad that these children, who are just like us, don’t have the opportunity to have a birthday.”

I’m donating to both of the above charities and I hope you do, too. It seems to me that both can bring joy to kids across the country—and possibly the world.