Volunteers 'Making A Difference' In Kids' Birthdays

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Dozens of volunteers are making sure birthdays are a celebration--not a stress--for thousands of metro families.

More than three million Americans are expected to volunteer as part of Saturday's "Make A Difference Day."

Locally, two non-profits, Kids 'n Kinship and Cheerful Givers, organized a "Birthday Bag Blitz."

They assembled book and toy-filled bags so parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift.

"There are so many kids who simply go without being recognized by their parents on their birthdays," an organizer said. "That impacts their self-esteem, as well as that of their parents. And we believe all kids deserve a happy birthday."

The 160 volunteers filled 3,000 bags.

They'll be distributed to to shelters and food shelves in the metro and across the state.