Local Heroes: Best Friends Make Sure Every Child Has Birthday

TAMPA, FL — They're moms, nurses who work on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and best friends who share a love of birthday celebrations.

Celina Saunders and Belinda Leto of Tampa are the founders of a nonprofit called Celebrate Birthdays, dedicated to making sure that no child's birthday goes by without recognition.

Although the two women founded the nonprofit two years ago, they say it became even more critical at the height of the coronavirus pandemic when so many children were prevented from gathering for traditional birthday parties.

"Two years ago, through Idlewild Baptist Church, our local church, Celina and I did a Christmas project where we went out to the community to deliver Christmas presents to needy families," said Leto. "A grandmother we visited was caring for her three grandchildren, all under the age of 8, because her daughter had been incarcerated. She cried over the gifts we brought, was extremely thankful and, upon leaving, expressed they were financially struggling, trying to keep their grandchildren out of the foster care system. She explained that her grandson was having a birthday in January and wanted to know if we knew of anyone that could help with anything as they could not afford even a cake. I wondered if this was a need in the community and started making calls."

Leto said she and Saunders contacted various organizations for foster children who told them they didn't have the budget to throw birthday parties for the foster children in their charge.

"We realized there were so many children who had never heard the words, 'Happy Birthday,' hadn't blown out candles on a cake or even been recognized or celebrated," Leto said. "We were truly so surprised and felt the need to make sure that no child ever goes without hearing the words 'Happy Birthday' and feeling valued and loved on their special day."

One of the first celebrations Saunders and Leto organized was a party for the grandson of the woman who'd made them aware that children were being overlooked on their birthdays.

"We did go back and bless that grandmother and have been able to successfully partner with many organizations and foster group homes to ensure every child gets to celebrate their special day," Leto said.

Despite their busy schedules, juggling nursing careers and families, Leto and Sanders have organized more than 1,000 birthday parties for foster children.

Collaborating with organizations including the Joshua House and the Boys & Girls Clubs, they throw a monthly party for foster children who have a birthday that month and celebrate with cake, ice cream, games, activities and presents for all the children at the party — whether they are celebrating their birthday or not, Leto said.

“We want every kid to feel special,” she said.

Leto is quick to point out that they couldn't accomplish this alone.

They receive donations and support from businesses, organizations and individuals like Mike Russell, who nominated the pair to be recognized as Patch local heroes.

"He is a wonderful person and a kind soul who volunteers with our charity often," Leto said.

School groups and Scout troops also host toy drives to provide gifts for the children.

“It’s kids helping kids,” Leto remarked. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”

The nonprofit also provides“Birthdays in a Box" containing gifts and party supplies that are delivered to foster organizations that are unable to attend the monthly group birthday party.

Celebrate Birthdays currently serves Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, but Saunders and Leto hope to expand into other counties.

Saunders said hosting the birthday parties has proven to be as much a gift to themselves as the children.

“You feel such an overwhelming sense of gratitude. There’s not a price tag on that,” Saunders said.

Visit Celebrate Birthday's website or Facebook page for information on how to volunteer or donate.

To nominate a local hero, click here and fill out the nomination form. Be sure to include a photo of your local hero.

See related story: Tampa Heroes: Help Patch Recognize Those Making A Difference