Birthday Blessings, a nonprofit supporting local foster kids, is having a Thanksgiving Double the Impact campaign from Nov. 18-22. An anonymous supporter will match donations up to a total of $5,000 during this time. 

“Kids in foster care deal with a lot of trauma and uncertainty. We know we can’t erase their damaging experiences. We can add some hope and cheer to their lives by letting them know someone cares about their existence,” said Shannon VonAllmen, executive director of Birthday Blessings. 

The 501(c)(3) organization partners with child advocacy agencies like Children’s Divisions and Court Appointed Special Advocates to assist local foster kids. The agencies send a referral for each child to Birthday Blessings. The nonprofit designs each service specifically to the needs and tastes of the child. Advocates take birthday bags, care packages, bedding and other resources to the kids during visits. 

“Our goal is to give the kids a morale boost while providing items essential for functional living. That could mean self-care items, a backpack for school, or a board game to promote positive social interactions,” said VonAllmen. “This year we anticipate filling more than 2,000 requests for service through all our programs. We depend on donations from individuals, businesses and foundations to do that. Costs of almost everything have risen. Your support during this donor match will help us continue to fill all requests that come in.”

Donations can be made on their website at www.birthday-blessings.org/donate. Checks can be mailed to Birthday Blessings, 429 Aid Ave., West Plains. Checks postmarked during the event will count towards the match total. For more information contact VonAllmen at 417-372-5306.