Project Birthday had a birthday party of its own on May 22, celebrating five years of giving a gift and a cake to each child in foster care on their birthday.
The Forsyth County Department of Social Services held a luncheon where numerous people were recognized for their involvement in the partnership that has brightened the birthdays of 940 children so far. Forsyth County Women Attorneys Association (FCWAA) acquires the presents the children, with different law firms sponsoring a month or an individual child. Lowes Foods provides coupons for free cakes. Gifts are picked up from each law firm and transported to DSS by Lily Alexander, founder of the EACH Foundation, a local non-profit that seeks to bridge the gap between the community and children in foster care.
Social Services Director Victor Isler said it warmed his heart the first time he saw Alexander rolling in a wagon full of presents. The presents help provide a sense of normalcy for children who are going through what can be a difficult, tumultuous time in their life.
“Our children see a lot, they experience a lot, and I’m glad there’s a ray of sunshine through this program that gives them a level of normalcy that every child deserves,” said Isler.
For many years, FCWAA has been one of many organizations that gives gifts to foster children at Christmas. It was five years ago that Attorney Jessica Bell realized that wasn’t a similar program for the children’s birthdays and suggested the idea to the FCWAA. Bell has chaired the initiative for five years and is very grateful for the continued community support. Robinson and Lawing, LLP will start chairing the initiative soon, so it can continue to bring joy to children for many years to come.
“I hope that the kids feel special and know that there are people that care about them,” said Bell.