February Youth Villages Birthday Heroes Celebration

On Saturday, February 22nd, one of our Birthday Heroes, Ken Smith, shared that he was playing the games on the floor and had three elementary age boys in his group. As they were playing, one boy stopped playing to say, "I just love the Birthday Heroes!" Ken shared how he expressed his appreciation of the comment to the boy, but Ken realized, too, how touched he was by the boy's comment. Here, an eight-year-old boy, was filled with emotion and had to express his heartfelt gratitude. The boy didn't say anything about the game; it was his appreciation for the Birthday Heroes he wanted to express.

In another party with some older elementary age boys, Betty Sofge shared how she joined in playing the game, 'Keep your eye on the ball.’ She was to pull a cup, using the string attached to it, across the table without losing the ball balanced on top. Betty shared how she realized all the boys at the party were rooting for her, cheering her on. The boys were thrilled when Betty was able to get her cup across the table! It is amazing how a simple game can create unity.

Each month volunteers from North River Church of Christ host birthday parties for the elementary age children at Youth Villages in Douglasville, Georgia. We take all the needed items: decorations, games, cupcakes, ice cream, drinks, candy prizes, gift for the birthday child and watercolor birthday cards created by the Youth and Family ministry at North River specifically for the children at Youth Villages. There is always a need for more Birthday Hero volunteers! Please consider joining with us in playing on the floor with these children who need friendly, compassionate adults in their lives.