Cheerful Givers: GIfts to the Deserving

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - All the kids out there who are getting a Nintendo 3-DS and a pair of pricey Nikes for their birthday should take note.

There are thousands of kids in Minnesota who live in poverty, and are grateful for any kind of birthday gift.

“Cheerful Givers” is a volunteer group that puts together birthday gift bags for children in need. The bags are distributed through shelters and food shelves around the metro.

M.A. Rosko takes us to Ecolab in St. Paul, where employees got together on their lunch hour to fill about 150 bags with toys, books and candy.

According to Robin Steele, who founded “Cheerful Givers” the group distributed about 37,500 bags last year.

The goal is to help 40,000 kids this year.

M.A. Rosko emcees the Cheerful Givers “Great MN Birthday Party” on Saturday.

This is a big fundraiser for the non-profit, and allows them to purchase gifts for the bags.

Mall of America, Sears Court

Saturday, March 27th, 1-3 pm

Tim Mahoney performs, Vikings Cheerleaders, face painting, contests

For more info: www.cheerfulgivers.org