What does a birthday look like when a community comes together to celebrate a child? Today, we hear from Brittani, a Community Manager and host mom, who encourages her exchange students to give back during their time in the U.S. This school year, that spirit of service came to life through Birthday Boxes, a project that brings joy and care to families in need.
Every year, I encourage my Aspect exchange students to volunteer and do what they can to make a meaningful impact in the communities they call home during their exchange year.
Many of my students come from countries where birthday traditions look different, but no matter where they’re from, it’s still a special day for any child. For some children, birthdays pass without the simple traditions that many of us in the U.S. take for granted. That’s where the idea of putting together Birthday Boxes came from.
Birthday Boxes include everything a family needs to celebrate their child’s special day: cake mix, frosting, Sprite (used in place of all liquid ingredients, and it really does work, as my students tested it themselves), plates, napkins, forks, candles, balloons, party blowers, a birthday card signed by all of us, and a book included as a small gift.
La Tiendita in McKinney, Texas, will distribute the Birthday Boxes to the families they serve. What makes this even more special is that my students, their host families, and our friends came together to donate items, assemble the boxes, and share in spreading small acts of kindness.
Domingos from Mozambique, one of the exchange students who volunteered, shared, “For me, being part of the Birthday Box project was a truly meaningful experience. I loved knowing that something simple could bring joy and make someone feel remembered and valued. It reminded me how small acts of kindness can have a big impact in other people’s lives.”
Are you interested in making a difference in a student’s life? Apply to become an International Coordinator with Aspect Foundation. Check out more details here: aspectfoundation.org/become-a-superhero
