The Gifted Crate's mission is to deliver a customized birthday-in-a-box to as many children connected with DCF as possible across Massachusetts. Whether they live with biological parents, kin, in an unrelated foster home, or in a congregate living program, every child deserves to experience a memorable and joyous birthday celebration despite the circumstances surrounding their placement. We also strive to use birthdays as a way to help bridge the gap between foster parents and biological parents, creating moments of connection and shared celebration.
How it Works:
1) DCF Social Workers identify children deserving of a birthday crate and submit a request to The Gifted Crate. Social Workers may email thegiftedcrate@gmail.com to request a birthday crate request form. Requests must be submitted two weeks prior to requested delivery date.
2) Upon receipt of the request form, we will assemble the birthday crate from our inventory in our storage unit. Each crate will include candles, plates, napkins, and customized gifts based on the child’s likes and interests provided in the request form. We also provide a gift card for a birthday cake upon request. Our inventory is stocked through in-kind donations from our Amazon Wishlist and toy drives hosted by our community. If we do not have a requested item in inventory, we will use cash donations to purchase it.
3) Once assembly is complete, a Crate Courier is identified based on delivery location and he/she will coordinate a delivery/drop-off time with the Social Worker or foster parent.
We serve children, teens, and young adults connected with DCF in Massachusetts, regardless of placement—whether they live with biological parent(s), with kin, in an unrelated foster home, or in congregate care programs.
Please follow us on social media as we share regular updates on our journey and crate deliveries.
