THIS VOLUNTEER MAKES SURE BIRTHDAYS ARE THE BEST DAYS

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Rachel Themistokleous. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Rachel Themistokleous has always loved her birthday. Now, the 17-year-old high school student is making sure that others in her community have the chance to experience that same level of celebration. 

Growing up with divorced parents, birthdays always served as a wonderful opportunity for Rachel to spend time with both sides of her family. But Rachel also understood that everyone around her isn’t afforded the privilege to have a joyful birthday celebration. Hoping to spread a little light across her community, she knew that volunteering with an organization that aligned with her interests would be a great way to do it.   

Rachel volunteers with the Birthday Giving Program, an organization whose mission is to provide birthday bags and celebrations to children, adults, seniors and veterans affected by various issues ranging from poverty and addiction to physical and mental health challenges. As the chapter president, Rachel focuses on creating birthday bags for the children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington’s Germantown branch. Not only does Rachel gather all the toys, gifts and surprises, but she also personalizes each one to create a special moment for the recipient who may not receive anything else on their big day. In just the last six months, Rachel has created and donated hundreds of bags for the kids, providing them with a bright spot on their birthday.  

Rachel is currently a junior in high school and has a busy schedule of academic work. Still, she manages to dedicate 15 hours a month to the Birthday Giving Program, whether it’s delivering treats, taking photos or singing with the birthday boy or girl. Her volunteer journey is an inspiring example of one person taking something that means a lot to them personally and spreading that goodness throughout their community.

What inspires you to volunteer? 

I think it’s really important to show gratitude and help others who might be going through tough times. I believe that when we help others, it creates a cycle of kindness and support that strengthens our community. When I saw the opportunity to become the president of this chapter and take the responsibilities on myself, I wanted to be able to do what I’ve always believed in. 

Tell us about your volunteer role with the Birthday Giving Program. 

Each month, I spend a few hours customizing bags, ordering supplies and gathering age-appropriate toys and surprises. I usually try to personalize them based on the season or theme. I decorate and assemble the bags and deliver them at the end of each month. If the kids aren’t too busy, I celebrate with them, take photos, sing and hang out with them. For the younger kids, I do stuffed animals, journals, crayons and socks, and then for the older kids, I do things like drawstring bags and sunglasses. After school, I assemble the bags. I love being able to do it. 

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?  

Birthdays have always been a very important time for me. It was when I could spend time with both sides of my family, despite my parents being divorced. I’ve always wanted to be able to help people. When I was researching organizations, I found the one that I’m currently a part of. It was perfectly aligned with what I wanted to do for others, and that’s how I ended up being a part of this program. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

My goals are to allow children to experience the same joy that my birthday has always brought to me and make them feel cared for and celebrated. I hope to inspire more people to help their communities and let others be able to experience the same things that I had the privilege of enjoying growing up. I hope to be able to continue to help others even when I go to college. I hope to still maintain it, or maybe pass it on to a family member, or do it when I come back for breaks in the summer. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

I think seeing the joy and impact it has on the others. One of the times I was dropping off the bags, it was one of the kids’ birthdays, and I was able to give him his gift, sing “Happy Birthday,” and celebrate with him. I enjoy seeing the impact it has on others and how I’m able to bring joy to someone else’s life by giving them birthday bags. On my birthday, I always woke up to presents waiting for me. But I know that isn’t the same for everyone, and the experience has taught me not to take things for granted. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

I learned how rewarding it feels to be able to help others, and how not everyone has the same experiences as you. Even though a birthday is something everyone has, I’ve learned that not everyone has the privilege to celebrate their birthday. Doing little things, like making bags and giving gifts, can impact someone so much. It can strengthen a community as a whole. It’s a way to show gratitude and help others who may be going through tough times. When we help others, it creates a cycle of kindness and support. It makes the world a better place. 

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

Do a little research to get started. Researching organizations that align with what you want to do is very helpful. It’s also important to keep in mind that you don’t have to do grand stuff that costs a bunch of money. You just have to do something that is from the heart and that has values that connect to yours. 

What do you want people to learn from your story? 

 I want people to learn that even though something like a birthday is something everyone has, it is still a big privilege to celebrate it, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted. I want people to see that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact on a child who may not feel valued. I want to encourage people to help their communities. You don’t have to go above and beyond. You just need the heart, the intention and the willingness to do what you have to do.  

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Rachel? Find local volunteer opportunities.