Who we are

Be it a birthday present, a Christmas present, a birth, or simply a time of need, our goal is to put, in addition to basic needs like soaps or clothes, a book and a bunny in the hands of every child living in poverty. I grew up poor. I know hunger, loneliness. And I remember the comfort my raggedy old stuffed animals brought to lonely days and hungry nights. One little gift can make a huge difference.

In contrast, when my daughter was born, she was not born into poverty, and she was born with a joy I’ve never seen before. Dancing, singing. Wanting to make sure everyone else was happy too. Recently when there was a contractor at our house working, he told us our daughter brought joy to his workday.

Her first years truly made me realize poverty steals that joy. And on behalf of her desire to bring joy to every person she sees, and out of a hatred of what poverty can do to a child, BellaJoy was born.

The way we work, we are not going to be the frontline organization, the face of giving, but we bring resources, gifts, and expertise to other small nonprofits that are already established and working with their local communities to bring some relief to children living in poverty.