Beverly's Birthdays, a North Huntingdon-based nonprofit that brings birthday cheer to homeless children and families in need, continues to grow, with an upcoming sixth birthday bash at PNC Park and the launch of a mobile Birthday Boutique.
More than 500 people are expected to attend the "Evening of Birthday Cheer" from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release.
"We look forward to 'Evening of Birthday Cheer' each year, and are thrilled to be celebrating our sixth birthday. Our generous sponsors and supporters are who make it possible for us to continue our mission, and this event is really a celebration of everything we have accomplished so far and all the exciting things to come," Megs Yunn, founder and co-director, says in the release.
Details and tickets for the April 19 event: eobc2018.eventbrite.com
Beverly's Birthdays has, since 2012, created happy birthdays for over 25,000 local children. Its programs to date include birthday parties, birthday presents, itty bitty birthday cheer, classroom cheer and birthday-in-a-bag.
A sixth program, the Birthday Boutique, is in development, says Kate Livingston, agency community engagement director.
"We hope to do a soft launch in the summer and use it to serve parties in the fall," she says.
The van will travel to local homeless shelters, residential treatment facilities and group homes, the release states.
"One of the humbling parts of poverty is clothing scarcity. We noticed that problem for lots of kids we serve," Livingston says.
Some teens who move within the foster care system carry their clothing in trash bags, she adds. Some ask for items many children take for granted, like socks and underwear.
Those kids will receive tote bags, and children will be able to board the "fashion mobile" and pick out new birthday clothing, Livingston says.
"It gives them the experience of shopping. They can look through the racks and find something that fits them and their (preferences)," she adds.
Donations of new, never worn clothing for ages newborn to 21, gift cards and cash donations are welcome.
Details: 724-590-5106 or beverlysbirthdays.org
Mary Pickels is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MaryPickels.
