I often think of Cheerful Givers around this time of year with my boys’ upcoming birthdays just a month apart. Not very long ago the 3 of us were in need of help from local food banks and the community that serves those in difficult living situations. Cheerful Givers is one of those organizations that gives hope to families in need. They “celebrate the lives of poor and homeless children with anonymously donated birthday gift bags” which they distribute through social service agencies, homeless shelters and food banks.

A book about the wonderful achievements of Cheerful Givers titled "Do I Have A Birthday Too? The Cheerful Givers Story" was published last week. The book recounts the compassionate development of this unique organization including biographies of the founders, board chair and president. Also included are inspirational stories of the countless volunteers who have helped make this Minnesota-based nonprofit a national success story.

For more information or to reserve a copy of this book go to www.writingforthecause.com. To learn more about Cheerful Givers please visit: www.cheerfulgivers.org

In 2006 the Improve Group was pleased to donate to Cheerful Givers through our Corporate Giving Program. The Improve Group accepts applications for our giving program on a rolling basis. Twice a year we evaluate requests and select organizations for funding. We anticipate our next funding cycle will occur in June, 2007.