Once a month, the community at Gidwitz Place for Assisted Living in Deerfield joins together to celebrate the residents who have birthdays that month. All are welcome to celebrate the guests of honor, and staff joins in as well. But what is a birthday without a gift? Several years ago, a tradition started, to gift each honoree a “Birthday Bag,” filled with fun, helpful items: Large print puzzle books, adult coloring books and colored pencils or crayons, blank notecards with envelopes, tea bags, a mug, manicure sets, lip balm, and the like.
The birthday bags are assembled and donated by generous volunteers—families, bar and bat mitzvah students, high school students, individuals, and corporate philanthropy groups. In 2022 and 2023, volunteers donated approximately 100 bags per year to distribute at the monthly parties. The birthday honorees are so appreciative, and they look forward to receiving their birthday bag when their turn rolls around. For residents without family close by, it may be the only present they receive.
“We are always looking for more donors and volunteers,” says Julie Han, Manager of Volunteer Services. “Whether it’s one bag or 1,000 bags, every donation is meaningful!” The generous volunteers who provide birthday bags to Gidwitz make an enormous difference in someone’s life and Han stresses that all donations are welcome.
How can you get involved with this meaningful program? To learn more, please contact Julie Han at 773.508.1115 or julie.han@cje.net. You will receive a list of suggested items to go in the bags. Donors can get creative, with decorative tissue paper and a handwritten message. They should expect to spend between $5 and $10 per bag. A birthday bag is an easy, impactful project for all ages. It’s especially appropriate for the holiday season, but it’s a fun project to engage all year-round, and to give back.
