There are a number of ways to lend a hand:

• Make a donation in any amount to the campaign
• Bid on an online auction item. We’ve added an auction to the fundraiser this year including autographed Twins and Viking items, personal concerts by Jeff James or Tim Mahoney and more!
• Spread the word today and tomorrow to friends on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace or your blog.

Thank you so much for your support!

Items up for bid include autographed photos of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau & Michael Cuddyer, a signed Adrian Peterson Vikings jersey, personal concerts from Tim Mahoney and Jeff James (in your home or office) and more.

More details.

Shannon Thompson, a Cheerful Givers board member, first discovered the organization in 2008 when she came across an ad seeking board members. It successfully piqued her curiosity, and she took it upon herself to learn more about the charity. “I had been interested in getting more consistently involved in volunteering, and this seemed like a great opportunity to share some of my skills on behalf of an organization that was doing meaningful work,” explains Shannon. Not too long after, she joined the board.

“I love the simple and straightforward mission and the focus on fulfilling one specific need – birthday gifts for families who are struggling and cannot afford gifts for their children. I like the many ways people can give their time to Cheerful Givers – whether it is by filling bags with family or friends for a local food shelf, volunteering at an event, or joining the birthday club,” says Shannon.

As a board member, Shannon’s volunteer duties include revising bylaws, working on policies, strategizing on ways that Cheerful Givers can expand its outreach, as well as filling birthday bags at blitzes. She’s also worked with her company, Ewald Consulting, to host a birthday bag event, as well as filling gift bags at a birthday party for one of her children and she contributes to the organization financially.

“I hope to contribute in a variety of ways including keeping the focus on growing the number of families we are able to assist until we are meeting every need in Minnesota,” elaborates Shannon on the future of her volunteer work with Cheerful Givers. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her three children and husband, as well as reading, running, biking, and traveling.

“I am really impressed with the work that Karen Kitchel does as well as all of the volunteers who give so much time and energy to make a difference in the lives of families who are struggling. Cheerful Givers is a small but effective organization that I am proud to be affiliated with,” says Shannon.

We need your help to spread the word across social networks you belong to. We even have simple links already set up to promote it on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and your own website or blog.

Visit the Social Summer Fundraiser page for more information

228 less fortunate children will have Happy Birthdays thanks to the great support of the Minnesota Twins Wives and players who filled birthday bags following their winning game on July 18th. Special thanks to Claudia and Michael Cuddyer for helping to organize this fun event.

Watch for some great autographed Minnesota Twins items to be auctioned off  during our Social Summer Online Fundraiser throughout August.

Two year-olds through kindergarten age children who participate in the Sunday School program at Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church earned their own money by doing chores, sacrificing a trip to McDonalds and saving their allowance to purchase birthday gifts which filled 62 birthday bags.  One young girl even used her own birthday money.  Bre Pilon, who organized the event, said “The response is amazing even at such a young age.  Thank you for giving us this opportunity to teach our children to think beyond themselves…”