At 14, when I started high school, I wanted to set some new goals for myself.  Working hard to get good grades and challenging myself in new ways were my priorities. My mother always encouraged me and my two older brothers to get involved in a community-related service that would provide us with opportunities to help others who are experiencing difficulties in life. I knew this was not only a great opportunity to get involved in something meaningful but a way to break out of my comfort zone. I chose to use my love for baking to celebrate the birthdays of children living in homeless shelters.

For as far back as I can remember, my parents always made me feel special on my birthdays. Not all children are as fortunate as I have been. The town I have grown up in is less than two miles from one of the poorest cities in Massachusetts where there are dozens of homeless shelters. I know that the families who live there struggle to provide a home, food, and security for their children, let alone a birthday party. I can only imagine the stress that must fill their lives daily. One Wish Project was born from my idea that I would celebrate the birthdays of these children who are living in circumstances that are beyond their control. Along the way, I hope I can alleviate just a little stress off the shoulders of the parent(s) who just wants to see his/her child happy and feeling extra special on their birthday.