Birthday Buddies

Does Your Child Need a Birthday Buddy?

Parents – click the button below to submit a referral. 

Program Overview

Birthday Buddies is a program for kids in foster care with upcoming birthdays, who have been identified as likely to receive very few or no gifts for their birthday. Kids 12 years and under get $75 worth of gifts, and kids 13 and older get $100 worth of gifts. As a Birthday Buddy, you donate to grant the birthday wishes by purchasing gifts online. The gifts will be shipped directly to the child in time for their birthday. 

Children Needing Buddies

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Gabriel

❤️9 years old 

Gabriel is a curious kid! He has been in care for less than a year. He loves to draw and do puzzles. For his birthday, he would like a scooter and helmet.

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Gabriel’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to him.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Deacon

❤️11 years old 

Deacon is a creative kid! He has been in care for 3 years. Deacon loves to play video games and draw. He is very talented! He loves to go to Urban Air and Dave and Buster’s. For his birthday, he would be thrilled to get a gold chain. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Deacon’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to him.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Nelson

❤️9 years old 

Nelson is a sweet kid! He has been in care for a few months. Nelson loves to bounce and play with his favorite sensory toys. His favorite food to eat is chips! For his birthday, he would like a bounce board. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Nelson’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to him.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Ay’Miah

❤️11 years old 

Ay’Miah is a sweet and smart girl! She has been in care for 5 years. She enjoys fashion and singing. Ay’Miah is a pro at trying new things and loves gymnastics. She is a social butterfly and excels at most things she tries. For her birthday, she would like new shoes, a purse, and jewelry. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Ay’Miah’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to her.

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Romie

❤️5 years old 

Romie is a busy little guy! He has been in care for 4 years. Romie loves to try new sports to get all his energy out. He is excited to play T-Ball this spring! For his birthday, he would be thrilled to get a baseball glove, baseball hat, and craft supplies. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Romie’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to him.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Deshawn

❤️18 years old 

Deshawn is a kind young man! He has been in care for 10 years. He enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends. This birthday is a huge milestone for him, and he is very excited to celebrate his birthday. For his big day, he would love a Nintendo Switch controller. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $100 donation for Deshawn’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to him.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Nykiah

❤️12 years old 

Nykiah is a ball of energy! She has been in care for less than a year. She loves to dance and make TikToks. For her birthday, she would like a tablet, Bath and Body Works sets, and a purse. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Nykiah’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to her.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Lola

❤️16 years old 

Lola is a fashionable teen! She has been in care for 3 years. Lola is a cheerleader who loves to listen to music in her free time. She is a big fan of shopping and trying new clothes and styles. For her birthday, she would be thrilled to get gift cards to her favorite stores. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $100 donation for Lola’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to her.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Lavontra

❤️2 years old 

Lavontra is an affectionate little boy! He has been in care for 2 years. He has a big personality and loves to play with other kids. For his birthday, he would love dinosaur toys and sensory toys.

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Lavontra’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to him.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Messiah

❤️5 years old 

Messiah is a playful kid! He has been in care for a year. He loves to stay active and is always trying to play. Messiah likes to read and write. His best friend is his dog Layla, and he loves to play with her as much as possible. For his birthday, he would be thrilled to get a handheld educational video game.

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Messiah’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to him.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Aubree

❤️3 years old 

Aubree is a busy bee! She has been in care for over a year. She loves to be on the go and do as much as possible. Aubree is a fan of being outside and playing with her pets. For her birthday, she would love clothes, shoes, and a stroller for her baby. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Aubree’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to her.

 

Birthday Buddy Gifts for Laya

❤️3 years old 

Laya is a sweet little girl! She has been in care for 2.5 years. Laya is shy but warms up quickly when you get to know her and is a blast. She loves Cocomelon and Blippi, and she is a big fan of singing and dancing. For her birthday, Laya would like a new pair of tennis shoes and a gift card to We Rock the Spectrum. 

We’re looking for a Birthday Buddy donor to make a $75 donation for Laya’s birthday gifts. The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition will purchase the gifts online and have them shipped directly to her.

 


Matched with a Buddy!

Karmajah – 16 years old 

Karmajah is a social butterfly! She has been in care for almost one year. Karmajah has a great sense of humor, and she loves to spend time with her friends. She is an avid movie-goer and likes dressing up for a day out. She hopes to be a fashion designer one day! For her birthday, she would be thrilled to get a Visa gift card so that she can go on a shopping spree. 

Carmen – 13 years old 

Carmen is a cool kid! She has been in care for 4 months. She likes to play video games. Carmen loves animals and really enjoys playing dress up. She got a Nintendo Switch for Christmas, and she is excited to play more games. For her birthday, she would love new video games and a hoverboard.

Xzavion – 17 years old 

Xzavion is a talented young man! He has been in care for over a year. Xzavion is artistic, and he is becoming more interested in drawing. He likes cooking and dancing. Xzavion has a great sense of humor, and he loves making people laugh. He is especially gifted at imitating characters on TV! For his birthday, he would be thrilled to get a Nike or Footlocker gift card. 

Jude – 17 years old 

Jude is an absolute joy! She has been in care for 8 months. She is extremely hard working and independent. Jude worked hard to graduate early, start working, and purchased her own car. She is a fearless leader in everything she does. For her birthday, she would like a Walmart gift card. 

Baby Boy – 1 year old 

Baby Boy is a sweet and curious kiddo! He has been in care since birth. He loves his older siblings, and he soaks up being the youngest. He is learning so much every day and has overcome many obstacles. For his birthday, he would love a musical map, busy board, and other learning toys. 

Lamar – 12 years old 

Lamar is a kind, smart kid! He has been in care for 5 years. Lamar can be a little shy and quiet, but he loves to have fun and spend time with his sister. His favorite activity is playing video games. For his birthday, he would love a Target gift card. 

Deriona  – 20 years old 

Deriona is a wonderful young lady! She has been in care for 3 years. Deriona is very friendly, and she makes everyone feel welcome. She enjoys cooking and doing hair. Deriona works very hard, and she loves to relax and watch movies on her days off from work. For her birthday, she would be thrilled to get an Amazon gift card. 

Rah’Keem – 11 years old 

Rah’Keem is a sweet and funny kid! He has been in care for 3 years. Rah’Keem loves to learn. He is very smart and likes to try new things. He is a certified jokester and enjoys making people laugh as much as possible. For his birthday, he would like a pair of Nike shoes. 

Cole – 2 years old 

Cole is a fun little boy! He has been in care for one year. Cole is an absolute bundle of joy. He is learning how to walk, and he loves to move around. Cole likes reading books and playing with his toys in the bath. For his birthday, he would love to get bath toys, new clothes, and books.

Referrals

For a foster parent/case manager to enroll their foster child in the “Birthday Buddy” program:

  1. The foster parent/case manager must complete and submit the application below.
  2. The child MUST currently be in foster care (not adopted or guardianship).
  3. The foster child must be likely to receive nothing or almost nothing for their birthday.
  4. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the child’s birthday.
  5. Applications must be submitted no more than four months before the child’s birthday.

By completing and signing this application, I hereby request to enroll the foster child in my physical custody in the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition’s Birthday Buddy program. 

  1. I understand there is no guarantee that my foster child will be matched with a Birthday Buddy. I understand that I will be contacted if the child is matched; 
  2. I understand that the Birthday Buddy program is completely dependent on the generosity and responsibility of others. I understand that even if my foster child is matched with a Birthday Buddy, circumstances beyond the Coalition’s control may prevent my foster child from receiving presents through the Birthday Buddy program. 
  3. I promise to inform the Coalition if the foster child is removed from my physical custody before their birthday.
  4. I promise that we will write a thank you note to the Birthday Buddy within 14 days of receiving the birthday present. I will send the thank you note to the Coalition, to be forwarded to the Birthday Buddy. 
  5. I attest that the information in this Birthday Buddy application is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

By typing your full name below, you electronically acknowledge reading and understanding the above information. You state that all of the information you provided is true.



Questions?

Contact Madison Brown at (314) 806-2556. 

*We try to ensure that as many foster children as possible receive gifts on their birthday. On rare occasion, we may pull gifts from an extremely generous donation to share with another foster child who has not been matched with a Birthday Buddy.