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Our Programs

Birthday Buddies

Birthdays are meant to be special! Birthday Buddies benefits kids in foster care with upcoming birthdays who have been identified as likely to receive very few or no gifts for their birthday.

Happy Birthday to You…

We know how much birthdays matter, and we’re here to help.

Caregivers, you’re invited to refer your child(ren) to Birthday Buddies. They’ll receive a gift that matches their interests in time for their special day. Referrals are fast and easy to submit. Kids under 5 years receive $50 in gifts; 6-12 years receive $75 in gifts; and teenagers receive $100 in gifts.

We can’t wait to help you create a birthday that’s full of excitement and joy—the celebration every child deserves!

Are you a donor looking to grant a birthday wish? Click here!
  • Thank you for getting me the shoes for my birthday. I don’t know who you are, but thank you, because considering you don’t know me that gift was pretty expensive just to give to someone you don’t know. I didn’t think I was gonna get anything this year cause I’m not at home, so thank you once again so much.”
    – Tanner

How Does It Work?

  • Caregivers submit Birthday Buddies referrals following the form and eligibility guidelines below.
  • Generous donors grant birthday wishes on our website.
  • The Coalition ships the gift to the child in time for their birthday.
  • Together, we create birthday magic for our kids!

Who is Eligible?

  • Referrals must be submitted by a foster parent, case manager, or kinship caregiver.
  • The child must currently be in foster care (not yet adopted or in legal guardianship).
  • This program is designed for children who would otherwise receive little or nothing for their birthday.
  • Submit your referral at least one month before the birthday and no more than four months in advance.

Submit a Birthday Buddy Request

Need help submitting a request? Contact CareLine

Your Information

If you are a CASE MANAGER who wants gifts mailed to the CAREGIVER, please provide first and last name of caregiver.

Address where the gifts should be mailed

Caseworker information

Foster child's information

Is this child likely to receive little or nothing for their birthday?
Teenagers will receive $100 in gifts, younger children will receive $75 in gifts. If clothing, please specify size.
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 Buddies 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.
Clear Signature
By signing your full name, you electronically acknowledge reading and understanding the above information. You state that all of the information you provided is true.