How did you learn about Denver Children’s Home?
I took over as the Denver lead volunteer for Box of Balloons in early 2022. At the time, things were very quiet and we weren’t receiving many requests for birthday boxes, so I did a Google search for local nonprofits and reached out to DCH in May, I believe through the website.
Matt called me shortly afterward, and that July we celebrated our first three DCH birthdays: Jayla, Angelique and Nico, who were all turning 16. Jayla’s theme was Taylor Swift, her all-time favorite artist; Angelique’s was Baby Yoda; and Nico’s was plants. And instead of a birthday cake, Nico asked for a watermelon! I still remember all three.
Why did you choose to provide your support and services to our kids?
After speaking with Matt and learning about the kids and the work DCH does, there was no way in the world I could say no to supporting your kids.
Unfortunately, Box of Balloons dissolved all of its chapters in June 2025. I knew immediately that I wanted to continue providing birthdays for DCH, so I made a few changes and kept going on my own. We now do birthday bags instead of boxes, which I personally like better because they have handles. :)
How long have you been making birthday boxes?
I’ve been doing this for about four and a half years. In early to mid-2023, I was also working with two other nonprofits, both shelters. I had some wonderful volunteers helping me, but I was managing all of the administrative work and still building many of the boxes myself. At one point, we provided almost 20 birthday boxes in a single month, and I realized I had taken on more than I could realistically manage. I sadly had to step away from the other two organizations.
So, for the past three years or so, my focus has been solely on DCH.
Why is that important to you?
Knowing that I can help make even one of these kiddos feel special on their birthday is one of the best feelings in the world. Everyone deserves to feel celebrated on their birthday, and knowing that I can play even a small part in making that happen means so much to me.
What is your favorite aspect of our work here?
What I admire most about DCH is the safe and supportive environment you provide for kids who may be going through incredibly difficult times. It’s so much more than giving them a safe place to be—you provide the therapy, support and encouragement they need to heal, grow and move forward. The work you do truly changes lives.
Have you had any standout memorable conversations with any of our kiddos?
I typically don’t meet the kids because the DCH staff sets up each birthday celebration. But I do receive thank-you cards from them, and their words, humor and personalities always come through. Some have brought tears to my eyes, and others have made me laugh out loud! Those cards mean more to me than the kids probably realize. Your kids truly are the best.
Outside of the thank-you cards, one experience that really stands out was when my husband and I attended the 2026 graduation. I was blown away watching each of those seniors take the podium and give a speech. Charlotte’s and Angel’s speeches were especially memorable. When I got home that evening, I actually went back and reread several of the thank-you cards I had received from the graduating seniors. It made the experience that much more meaningful.
What are you excited about for continuing support for DCH?
I’m excited to simply keep doing what we’ve been doing—making sure these kids feel special and celebrated on their birthdays. I love learning a little bit about each child through the themes they choose and then finding ways to make their birthday feel personal to them. Matt is also so good about sending me feedback and pictures and, of course, making sure I get those special thank-you cards!
What started as volunteering with Box of Balloons has become something incredibly meaningful to me personally, and when Box of Balloons ended, stopping my work with DCH was never even a consideration. I hope to continue celebrating DCH kids for many years to come.
