Box of Balloons Madison puts together boxes of everything a caregiver needs to throw a birthday party for the child in their care. We serve children aged 1-12 years old, and we operate solely on referrals through social workers and case managers. In Madison, our requests come from organizations like the Salvation Army, Sankofa, YWCA, Rise Wisconsin, the Road Home, and DAIS - organizations that serve the neediest families in our community. The social worker works with the caregiver to identify what kind of birthday the child would love - whether that be unicorns, dinosaurs, princesses, or Pokemon - and to get some gift suggestions. Once we receive the request, we put out the word to our volunteers, who then sign up to shop, bake, or craft every aspect of the box: tableware, decorations, cupcakes/candles, a party game, a personalized banner, party favors for 6 guests, and a gift for the caregiver to give the child (along with gift wrapping and a blank card) all packaged in a personalized and festive cardboard box. The social worker then picks up the box and delivers it to the child’s caregiver, who ultimately throws the party.