★ Apply for a Box ★
★ Follow US ON FACEBOOK ★
About Us ★ Past Boxes
★ How You Can Help ★ Donor Hub ★
★ OUR HEROES ★
Every child deserves to celebrate the day they were born.
We provide free birthday boxes filled with gifts, cake, and party supplies - no paperwork, no proof of income, and no judgment. If your family could use the support, we’ve got you.
Step One: fill out our request form.
- This is all the paperwork we will need from you!
Step Two: we’ll review your request and let you know if we can fulfill it
- We do our best to say yes to every child, though availability is based on funds available.
Step Three: receive your box!
- We will contact you to set up three dates and times to choose from for delivery.
Your information is used solely to prepare your child’s birthday box. We will never share any part of this form with anyone outside the program. Eat Your Cake Too was built to restore dignity to families going through hard times and we will never compromise that trust.
Questions? Check out our FAQ.
ABOUT EAT YOUR CAKE TOO
About our program and our boxes
Who We Are
What’s in a Birthday Box?
Frequently Asked Questions
About eat your cake too
Eat your cake too mission statement
We believe magic belongs in every child’s life, no matter what their family is facing. Our birthday boxes are a simple way to say: you matter, you’re loved, and we see you. No judgment. No hoops. Just joy, delivered.
Who we are
We’re a volunteer-led project committed to making sure every child feels seen on their birthday. No matter a family’s circumstances, all kids deserve a day that’s just about them.This program exists because we know what it’s like to juggle too much with too little. Our goal is simple: bring joy, restore dignity, and remind families they’re not alone.
meet our team
As it frequently happens, I texted Sam one day and said, “Hey, I had an idea for something. I’d like to know what you think.”Within ten minutes, she was all in and within an hour, we had a name, a plan, and matching spreadsheets ready for our binders.We’re just two moms with some shared experiences and the belief that no kid should go unnoticed on their birthday. This project is personal for both of us, and we’re thrilled to do it together.
Jess, co-founder
I’m excited to be part of something that brings together two of my favorite things: party planning and making kids smile. I’m thrilled to do this with my best friend and am looking forward to helping families with a project that covers the gap in nonprofits.I know what it’s like to want to give your kid the world but barely being able to afford a cake. I also remember being that kid, one of eight, when birthdays were a hug and love and trying hard to not wish your family could afford something more.Back then, I probably would have happily traded a sibling for a slice of chocolate cake… so now I’m here to make sure no family has to choose between bratty brothers and buttercream.
Sam, co-founder
Why did I want to be a part of this? Because if it wasn’t for the help of my own mother I would not have been able to provide birthdays for my own child years ago. I know first-hand the heartache and struggle of wanting to do something and not being able to.It’s vitally important to me to do everything in my power to make sure no child goes without. There are already so many organizations that provide holiday support but how many focus on the individual moments?That’s our goal. To help you create lasting memories for your child on their special day. Let us help you have your cake and eat it too!!
About our boxes
What’s included in our birthday boxes?
All of our boxes are individualized to your child and include the following items:
★ Birthday Cake + Candle(s)
Cake can be swapped for a different treat if your child doesn’t like/can’t have cake.★ Unwrapped gift
This gift is left unwrapped so that you can wrap it and be the one to gift it to your child.★ Wrapping paper or gift bag
And, yes, we will probably forget to include tape.★ Small gift from us
Something little to your child from a team who care.★ Serveware for cake
Plates, napkins, and forks for however many people you’ll be sharing your child’s cake with.★ Birthday banner or decorations
What child doesn’t need a balloon to play ‘keepy uppsies’ with until they inevitably pop it?★ Game or craft for a birthday activity
Your child doesn’t need a huge fuss to feel like the most important person. Many kids would love an afternoon of games or creative play with their family.★ Coupon or freebie from a local business
An ice cream cone from Dairy Queen, a sweet treat from Kup of Joy, or another goodie for them to enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
★ Why didn’t my child get a box but another kid did?
Sometimes it comes down to timing, funding, or limited volunteer capacity. We do our best to say yes, but we can’t guarantee every request.★ Can I sign up a child who I’m raising but who isn’t biologically my child?
Absolutely; guardians, foster parents, relatives, and chosen family are all welcome to apply.★ Can I apply for someone else’s kid as a surprise?
While that’s a thoughtful idea, we do ask that only parent(s)/guardian(s) apply for a box for their child.★ My kid hates cake. Is there an option to swap it?
You bet! We’ve got cookies, brownies, donuts, and more. Just tell us what works.★ Can I request specific gifts or themes for the box?
You can! We ask for interests and favorite colors so we can personalize the box as much as possible. Gifts are dependent on funds, timing, and many other factors that could impact our ability to get a specific item.★ What documents do you need for the application?
No documents are needed to apply. In rare cases, we may request clarification if something seems off.★ If I have multiple kids, can I sign them all up?
Of course! It’s one box per child per year, so just submit a form close to each birthday.★ Can I use the cake and decorations you send for my child’s party?
You sure can! Our birthday boxes are designed to support a celebration for 4–8 guests, usually family members. Boxes are built to serve 4–8 people, with exceptions made for larger households.★ What’s the latest I can apply?
We ask for as much notice as possible, but if your child’s birthday is 7 or fewer days away, please contact us right after applying so we can let you know quickly if we can help.★ How much do your boxes cost?
They’re free! Every single box is made possible by donors who care deeply about kids being celebrated.★ I want to help. What can I do?
We love that! You can donate items, sponsor a box, or share our info with others. Check out our Donor Hub for all the ways to pitch in.
Past boxes
A brief glimpse in the birthday boxes we’ve built and delivered in the past.
Every box is a reminder to a child that they matter. Whether it’s a superhero cake, new art supplies, or just a balloon and a banner, each one is packed with care and a whole lot of love. Here’s a peek at some of the birthdays we’ve helped celebrate.
A friendly reminder:
We will never post a photograph of a recipient’s face, identifying characteristics, or any image that could expose the child’s identity on our website, social medias, or elsewhere.
How you can help
As a community project, we believe in full transparency at all times.
If you’d like to view our donation and expense records, just send us an email and we’ll get them to you.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
We’re currently operating under personal accounts, but 100% of all donations go straight to Eat Your Cake Too. Everything is tracked and used for birthday magic only and a record of donations and expenses are maintained meticulously and available for public request. Business/nonprofit accounts will be live as soon as our EIN is approved.
(The last 4 digits of the phone number associated with the account is 0096)
Thank you for trusting us during this startup stage - and for helping make sure no kid feels forgotten on their birthday. 🎁
Wish lists:
Would you rather choose gifts to directly donate? We would love that! We have several lists that you can search through and we are grateful for every item donated!
Sponsor our shirt
For $80, you can claim a spot on our 2025 Corn Festival shirts that will be available for sale during Sullivan’s beloved festival.
Share the Word!
Spreading the word is one of the easiest ways to help us reach more families and supporters. Every share, like, or comment helps us bring more birthday joy to kids who need it most.
Partner with us
Do you commute for work or spend a lot of time in your car? Do you bake cakes as a hobby or profession? No matter your time available or skill set, we're always searching for partners to help us spread the birthday love.
Have questions? Check our donor FAQs
Birthday box breakdown
Every dollar has a job and here’s how each one brings joy.
★ Cake: $30
★ Candle(s): $2-3
★ Unwrapped Gift: $30
★ Gift Bag/Wrap: $3-5
★ Wrapped Gift: $10
★ Decor: $10
★ Plates: $2-4
★ Napkins: $1-3
★ Forks: $1-3
★ Tablecloth: $2-4
★ Family Game or Activity: $20
+ School Treats: $20-30
Total: $111 - $152
Donor FAQs
★ Is my donation tax deductible?
Not yet! We’re a community project, not a registered nonprofit, so donations aren’t tax deductible (for now).★ Why don’t you just give money directly to the families?
We’re here to do, not delegate. This project isn’t just about money. It’s about effort, care, and real celebration.★ How do I know my donation was received and used?
We believe in radical transparency. Ask for our cost/donation sheets anytime, no hoops, no nonsense.★ Can I choose which child or family my donation helps?
Unless you’re sponsoring a full $100 box, donations are pooled to serve as many local kids as possible.★ How do you decide which families get a box?
It depends entirely on how much money or supplies we have at the time of your request.★ Can I donate used items?
We want to stick to new items only as it’s about giving each child something that feels truly theirs.★ Can I donate anonymously?
Absolutely. We respect your privacy and are grateful for your help.★ Can I sponsor a box in honor or memory of someone?
Absolutely - honoring someone through kindness is a beautiful gesture.★ Can I donate $5 instead of $100?
Of course! Every dollar helps make these birthdays possible.
Birthday heroes
We couldn’t do this without the kindness of our incredible donors. Every name here helped bring joy to a local kid - and we couldn’t be more thankful.
Our Partners
Our Supporters
Party partners
Our Party Partners are the local heroes who help make the magic happen: from cakes and supplies to pickups and last-minute miracles.
deliv.
Thank you to deliv. in Sullivan, IN for partnering with us as a volunteer delivery driver.
Sprinkle supporters
Whether it was once or ongoing, thank you for supporting our mission!
OUR SUPPORTERS:
| THANKS | TO | OUR | DONORS! |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keri Alsman | The Storme Family | Courtney Orr | Lisa Borders |
| Carl Foster | Sheila McLain | Erica Kolovrat | Ashley Todd |
| Gayla Dailey | Heaven Barras | Daisy Butler | Briana Lester |
| Krystle Riggle | Ashley Wheeler | Briana Burks | Shawna Pirtle |
OUR SPONSORS:
Kara's Kupcakes
Indivisible Wabash Valley
Matthew & Kenna Price
Petty Pit Stop
Cult of Chaos
Norris Automotive
Wendy Schumann
Thank you to Kara’s Kupcakes for sponsoring us in July of 2024.
Kara’s Kupcakes
22 W. Washington St.
Sullivan, IN
Thank you to Indivisible Wabash Valley for sponsoring us in July of 2024.
Thank you to Matthew & Kenna Price for sponsoring us in July of 2024.
Thank you to Petty Pit Stop for sponsoring us in July of 2024.
4 W Washington St
Sullivan, IN 47882
Thank you to Cult of Chaos for sponsoring us in July of 2024.
Thank you to Norris Automotive for sponsoring us in July of 2024.
