Our non-profit spotlight of the month is Box of Balloons!
Box of Balloons is a non-profit that provides birthday parties for children in Fargo and Moorhead who might not otherwise have one. Some families have limitations due to their living situation or by finances or other restrictions, so this group partners with community organizations to provide birthday parties free of charge. Overall, their goal is for each child to have a memorable and special birthday regardless of their family’s current situation.
Spreading Birthday Joy in Fargo & Moorhead
Box of Balloons Fargo delivers joy and hope to children and families through birthday boxes. Volunteers put together each box with the objective of spreading birthday cheer. Every box includes tableware, decorations, party favors, a party game activity, and cupcakes. In addition, each box has a birthday gift, along with a birthday card customized for the birthday child. 
Box of Balloons is a national organization with 40 chapters in 29 different states.
The Fargo-Moorhead chapter has been active in our community since May 2020. The two co-chapter leaders are Katie Dukart and Chelsey Strand. Katie works in communications, and has a background of volunteering and service with a number of local non-profits. Chelsey is a medical social worker for children and families with complex medical needs. For more updates on the local chapter and what they have been doing here in the FM area, see their Facebook page.
One Mother’s Experience
“I am so grateful to Box of Balloons for helping make my girls’ birthdays so special. The boxes had everything needed to celebrate their special days. The cupcakes were beautiful and delicious. The decorations were fun themes, and the birthday gifts were so personalized that they made my girls’ eyes light up. As a mother of five, they provided such a generous gift for me to provide birthday parties without the added costs.” – Anita
Partnering with Local Organizations
Box of Balloons partners with community organizations to provide birthday surprises to local families who may not otherwise have one. Down Home, a local non-profit whose mission is to empower lives by furnishing homes for families and individuals emerging from homelessness, is one of those partners.
“One way we are able to continue to engage our families is by offering support through our partners such as Box of Balloons. Being witness to the gratitude of several of our families who have received these carefully crafted and intentionally compiled kits, my heart floods with astonishment of the dedication by our community to rise up to opportunities to serve others. All of our Down Home families live below the poverty level, and Box of Balloons helps ensure children are celebrated on their birthdays and parents are dignified and empowered to be the hero in their children’s lives. Down Home is eternally grateful for the gift of our partnership with Box of Balloons.” – Jenessa Fillipi, Down Home. 
Volunteer!
To help spread birthday cheer with Box of Balloons, consider volunteering or making a financial donation. Or, be a part of the fun by requesting to build a box for a child.
This could also be an opportunity for a service project for a family or small group. And also provides an opportunity for kids to get involved by becoming a Kid Ambassador.
Interested in learning more about how to request a birthday box for a child in need?
Please call Katie at 701-200-1392 or e-mail [email protected].
Looking for other birthday party ideas? Check out our birthday party guide here!
