This Nonprofit Throws Birthday Parties for Homeless Kids Across the Country

Treat yourself to birthday cake macarons from @joymacarons! All month long they are donating a portion of sales from these tasty treats to help us bring JOY to homeless children through the magic of birthdays. #joychangeslives #givingisgood #joymacarons #birthdaycake #macarons #nationalmacaronday #tbpp #bdayenthusiasts

A post shared by The Birthday Party Project (@thebirthdaypartyproject) on Mar 13, 2016 at 9:04am PDT

When Paige Chenault was pregnant with her daughter, she was looking forward to throwing birthday parties. And then she came to a sad realization. "There were kids in my community that might not ever feel the joy that comes from being celebrated," she said. "It hit me like a ton of bricks." That's when she was inspired to found The Birthday Party Project with a simple mission: bringing joy to homeless children through the magic of birthdays.

Now, she's being celebrated for her vision: Chenault was recently named one of Toyota's Mothers of Invention, which is a program in partnership with Women in the World (WITW) that recognizes women for their leadership in solving issues like homelessness, education, and sustainability. As an anointed member, Chenault will receive $50,000 in a grant from the automaker in addition to assistance in facilitating networking opportunities and access to intellectual capital—all to help The Birthday Party Project do even more good.

Last year alone, Chenault and her party coordinators across the country hosted over 315 birthday parties for children. Their parties spare no streamer or a layer of cake icing as each party is fully equipped with crafts, games, food, goody bags, cupcakes, and volunteers to make the birthday magic happen. And every volunteer wears the mantra, "EAT. SLEEP. PARTY. REPEAT." boldly on their shirts for all to see.

Get Our 7 Tips to Hosting a Stress-Free Kids' Birthday Party

We are so grateful for this amazing community, thank you for your donations yesterday during #ntxgivingday. We believe our celebrations are more than a party. They are a loud exclamation point that children matter; that JOY can come out of any circumstance, and a JOYful community can transform our society. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You!! #joychangeslives #givingisgood #donations #makeadifference #tbpp #tbppdfw #birthdayenthusiasts #thebirthdaypartyproject #birthdayenthusiasts

A post shared by The Birthday Party Project (@thebirthdaypartyproject) on Sep 23, 2016 at 7:33am PDT

Of course, she takes planning every party very seriously. "Homelessness looks a lot of different ways," she says. "So picking the strongest partners, understanding what our communities need and then being able to keep up with the need." Her efforts have been greatly received not only by communities, community members, shelters, and kids alike, but the party volunteers who can't help but love throwing parties too. What started in Dallas, Texas, as a creative organization in partnership with local homeless shelters quickly expanded beyond state borders to nationwide status. Over 10,000 volunteers—they are referred to as "enthusiasts"—have joined the cause, and they've hosted over 3,000 parties across the country.

This little guy participated in #shareyourbirthday to celebrate his 2nd birthday! We love to see families incorporate our mission when celebrating! Proving that anyone can give. (I mean, check out the cake and party hat!) @thebirthdaypartyproject #joychangeslives #givingisgood

A post shared by The Birthday Party Project (@thebirthdaypartyproject) on Dec 17, 2015 at 11:18am PST

Aside from hard work and a strong appreciation for birthday balloons, The Birthday Party Project parties by a few rules: "Be BOLD! Be transparent. Be professional. Be great stewards. Inspire good works. Have FUN." The last rule may be the most important and it's something that will last with the children longer than any party favor out there. That rule is, "Love each other, build each other up!"

So ready to volunteer?