On October 27th, more than 3 million Americans are expected to volunteer on Make A Difference Day, the nation’s largest single day of volunteering.  Two local nonprofit organizations will be partnering to also make a difference in the lives of 3,001 less fortunate children in our community.   Cheerful Givers and Kids 'n Kinship mentoring are teaming up for the 5th annual  “Birthday Bag Blitz -- Kids Helping Kids ” where 120 volunteers and community members will assemble 3,001 toy-filled gift bags which will be distributed to shelters and food shelves so that parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift.  

In addition to participating in this meaningful and fun hands-on experience, volunteers will get to meet special guests Gianna Capuzzi, Miss Minnesota Collegiate, Haley O’Brien, Miss Collegiate America , and Mary Scheele, Miss Global United as well as enjoy birthday cookies.  

Thomson Reuters is hosting the event and the Southern Dakota-Scott County Chapters of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is providing funding support.  

This is a great ‘hands on’ opportunity to model volunteering with children, so families and scouts groups and youth groups are welcome to attend. This event is best suited for children ages 8 and up. Space is limited; volunteers must pre-register by October 17^th at http://kinshipbirthdaybagblitz.eventbrite.com/.

About Kids ‘n Kinship Kids 'n Kinship is a preventative mentoring program for children ages 5-16 who are in need of a positive adult role model. The goal is that the children will form a long-term friendship with a responsible, consistent adult.  Through their mentor relationship children receive positive attention, experience a variety of activities, and are helped to develop the sense of self-worth that is essential to successfully functioning in school, in healthy relationships, and eventually on the job. Kids 'n Kinship also has a school-based mentoring project in collaboration with four local elementary schools.  www.kidsnkinship.org  

About Cheerful Givers Cheerful Givers is a unique, local nonprofit organization that provides toy-filled birthday gift bags to shelters and food shelves so that parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift. This results in increased self-esteem and self-worth as well as strengthen bonds in less fortunate families. Since 1994, with the help of thousands of volunteers, more than 500,000 children have received birthday gift bags.  www.cheerfulgivers.org