Ways to Help
There are so many ways to help Birthday Dreams bring hope, joy, and a sense of self-worth to children experiencing homelessness. Whether you have a few hours, a special talent, or a group looking for a meaningful service project, there is a place for you here. Click the register link in the upper right-hand corner to let us know how you'd like to get involved.
Help fulfill a child’s birthday wishes by purchasing gifts selected especially for them. Volunteers receive information about the child’s interests and wish list, then shop for and wrap the gifts before delivering them to Birthday Dreams.
Volunteer bakers create cakes and cupcakes based on each child’s requested theme. You do not need to be a professional baker—just someone who enjoys baking and wants to make a child’s birthday extra special. Bakers purchase the ingredients, prepare and decorate the cake, and deliver it to Birthday Dreams or another designated location. A valid Washington State Food Worker Card is required.
Volunteer drivers deliver Birthday-in-a-Box celebrations, cakes, and other birthday supplies to shelters and housing programs throughout King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. You may volunteer for one delivery or help regularly, depending on your schedule. Delivery volunteers must meet Birthday Dreams’ driving, background-check, and confidentiality requirements.
Every Birthday-in-a-Box is prepared especially for one child. Volunteers at Birthday Dreams’ Renton office help select gifts, wrap presents, assemble party supplies, make bows and birthday cards, organize donations, stock shelves, and prepare celebrations for delivery. This opportunity is ideal for individuals, families, students, and small groups.
Help create a joyful birthday celebration for children living in participating shelters and transitional housing programs. Volunteers may help set up, decorate, lead games and activities, serve refreshments, and clean up after the party. Party locations, schedules, and age requirements vary.
Office and Inventory Support
Our small staff relies on volunteers to help keep Birthday Central organized and running smoothly. Opportunities may include sorting donations, organizing inventory, preparing supplies, assembling mailings, and assisting with other office projects.
Special Events and Community Outreach
Represent Birthday Dreams at community festivals, information booths, fundraising events, and other special events. Volunteers may help with setup, registration, guest assistance, auction activities, teardown, or sharing information about our mission.
Businesses, service clubs, schools, faith communities, and other groups can participate in hands-on projects such as creating goody bags, decorating party hats, assembling activity kits, making birthday cards, or preparing other celebration supplies. Some activities can be completed at your location.
Children and teens can make a meaningful difference by organizing donation drives or fundraisers, creating birthday cards and party supplies, assembling goody bags, or volunteering with their families. We also welcome school clubs, youth groups, Scout troops, and other student-led service projects.
Host a Donation Drive or Fundraiser
Collect new birthday gifts, party supplies, gift cards, or other urgently needed items—or create your own fundraiser to support Birthday Dreams. Lemonade stands, workplace drives, school events, birthday fundraisers, and community campaigns can all help give children the celebrations they deserve.
Share your professional experience, creativity, or connections by helping with fundraising, marketing, community outreach, stewardship, or our annual Gala of Dreams.
We have the best volunteers! See what they are doing, what motivates them, and how their generosity makes birthdays possible.