Everyone has a birthday – a day that is special and unique that we share only with others born on that day.  It is an American tradition for parents to celebrate their children’s birthdays every year.  As a family, we have cake and ice cream and give presents.  Sometimes, we throw parties and invite friends to celebrate with us.  The vast majority of children in America are blessed with parents, grandparents, relatives and friends to help them mark this special day.  

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 13 million (17.8%) children under 18 years of age in America live at or below the poverty level (2005). Parents struggle to provide food, housing and education for their children. Disadvantaged children cannot participate in the same sort of celebration that advantaged children receive. Another group of children to benefit from receiving a birthday gift are children who are chronically ill and spend a great deal of time in hospitals.

In addition, parents who are able to provide wonderful opportunities for their children worry that these children may grow up not understanding the joy of providing a helping hand to those in need. For those who are fortunate enough to celebrate and receive gifts on their birthdays, could there be a better day to learn the joy of giving a gift to someone less fortunate – someone who shares their birthdays.

On Your Birthday (OYB) was founded as an online community of childrens’ charities that helps donors give unexpected presents to children in need of good cheer on their birthdays. OYB’s goals are:

• To provide birthday gifts to children experiencing illness or hardship.
• To provide a deeper understanding and support for charities serving these children.
• To teach our children the value of giving.