I'm Riley, a high school senior at Dwight Englewood School.  For those of you who donated last year, thank you so much!  Here’s the background for everyone and why I am reaching out now.

I am an active volunteer for an Upper West Side-based grassroots volunteer and donor group called The Mom Squad. For over 10 years we have come together to support our neighbors around the city by offering fellowship, facilitating community gatherings, providing hot meals and essential supplies through donation drives, and much more.

My project and passion is leading with other teen volunteers to help fund and host the monthly birthday parties for the mothers and children living in our local shelter. At these parties we host the moms and kids at the shelter where we provide food, drinks, cupcakes, and activities such as face painting and dancing. The volunteers play with the kids while the moms can socialize and relax. I love being able to make a difference in my community and this has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

I am now fundraising because I am committed to continuing to support these monthly parties for The Mom Squad as they begin another decade of service. I'm reaching out to you, my supportive community of friends and family, for your help to keep this going. My personal goal is to raise $2000 for all of the food, drinks, and supplies needed to fund these ongoing parties. This initiative was founded on the belief that simple acts of kindness and human connection can have the power to change a life - for a moment, a day, or a lifetime. Your donation truly makes a difference and with your help, we can continue to make this happen. All donations go directly to funding the monthly parties and purchasing birthday gifts for the moms and kids who are celebrating. Thank you!