Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily & Joel Buss.
Emily & Joel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our story started in a season of uncertainty we never expected. After my husband Joel was laid off, he poured everything into finding a new role. Hundreds of applications, dozens of interviews, even final rounds that went nowhere. As the months stretched on, our savings disappeared and we found ourselves facing a question no parent should have to ask. Do we pay the bills to keep the lights on, or do we give our child a birthday?
Around that time, I mentioned our situation to a neighbor. I had quietly created a simple wishlist for our daughters’ back to back birthdays, not really expecting anything to come of it. Within forty eight hours, strangers and friends had shown up in the most meaningful way. We went from having nothing planned to having everything needed for a real birthday celebration. In that moment, Joel and I knew that once we were back on our feet, we wanted to give that same dignity and joy to other families in our community.
That first year was a crash course in building something from the ground up. I spent every spare moment learning everything I could about the nonprofit world and how to run a sustainable organization. I dove into marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, operations, and social media, often learning in real time and applying it immediately. We treated Birthday Box like a business with a mission, knowing that strong systems and clear strategy were essential if we wanted to grow responsibly and truly serve families well.
Six months in, we built the framework for what would become Birthday Box Foundation and assembled a board of directors. After receiving our 501c3 status, we officially launched serving just one city. The need grew quickly. Within months we expanded to four cities, partnered with schools and food pantries, and hosted community days of service. We ended our first fiscal year having served 250 kids and families. As of the end of 2025, that number has grown to 2,505. During the government shutdown, when thousands of families lost SNAP benefits, our outreach efforts and community partnerships expanded even further to meet the surge in need. What started as a personal moment of kindness has become a mission to ensure every child feels seen, celebrated, and valued on their birthday.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In the first year, one of our biggest challenges was simply getting our name out there. As a new nonprofit, we were also navigating a lot of public skepticism and distrust toward nonprofits in general, which meant we had to work twice as hard to prove our integrity, transparency, and impact. We focused on showing up consistently, doing what we said we would do, and building real relationships rather than just asking for support. Joining the Chamber of Commerce and intentionally networking with other nonprofits and community leaders was a turning point that helped us establish credibility and strong local partnerships.
Since we opened, the economy and cost of living have continued to rise while support services and resources have steadily declined. As a result, we have seen a rapid and consistent increase in requests for our services month after month. The need is growing faster than ever, and keeping up has become one of our biggest ongoing challenges. Right now, our most pressing obstacle is transportation. From day one, Joel and I have used our family’s only car to handle all deliveries across our service area. As we continue to expand statewide, that approach is no longer sustainable. Securing a dedicated delivery vehicle is essential so we can keep showing up for families and ensure our services reach every community that needs them.
We’ve been impressed with Birthday Box Foundation , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Birthday Box Foundation exists to make sure no child is forgotten or overlooked because of hardship, especially on their birthday. We provide complete birthday celebrations, a Birthday In A Box, to children and families who are navigating difficult seasons, including food, gifts, party supplies, and the essentials needed to create a meaningful and joyful day. We work closely with schools, food pantries, shelters, hospitals, and community partners to identify families who need support, allowing us to step in with dignity, discretion, and care.
What truly sets us apart is how comprehensive our support is. We provide everything a family needs to celebrate, whether they are living at home, staying in a domestic violence shelter, or spending a birthday in the hospital. From food ingredients and decorations to educational activities, we remove the stress and barriers that often make celebrations impossible. Every Birthday Box includes something the child wants, something they need, something to read, and a STEM or STEAM gift. This approach reflects our belief that joy, learning, and growth should go hand in hand, even during difficult seasons.
Brand wise, I am most proud of the trust we have earned in our communities, the way people choose to give back through our mission, and the care we put into every detail. Each box is personalized to the child’s age and interests and delivered with intention and respect. Families and companies regularly honor loved ones by hosting service projects with Birthday Box Foundation, and seeing those moments come to life is incredibly meaningful. One of my favorite parts of this work is watching people of all ages and life stages serve together, especially kids helping kids. Each box is personalized to the child’s age and interests and delivered with intention and respect. I want readers to know that Birthday Box Foundation is not just about a single celebration. We are all about restoring dignity to families, creating moments of normalcy, and reminding every child that they are seen, valued, and worthy of being celebrated.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support for Birthday Box Foundation can take many forms, and one of the things we value most is collaboration. We work best alongside people and businesses who want to use their resources, skills, and networks to create meaningful local impact. While financial support is critical to meeting the growing demand for our services, some of our most transformative partnerships come through connections, expertise, and access to resources that directly remove barriers to service.
The business community plays a powerful role in our work. Companies can support us by joining an advisory board, introducing us to their networks, or helping amplify our mission through marketing, cross-branding, and collaborative giving initiatives. One of our most immediate operational needs is a donated or deeply discounted vehicle lease. A reliable delivery van would allow us to scale our reach, improve efficiency, and ensure Birthday Boxes reach children consistently across the state. Partners who can help facilitate or connect us to a vehicle lease play a direct role in expanding our impact. For organizations interested in deeper engagement, we also offer opportunities to sponsor specific programs or step into a larger partnership as a 2026 title sponsor, with logo recognition on our delivery van as it serves families statewide.
We intentionally create opportunities for organizations of all sizes. Whether you are a large corporation, a small team, or a solopreneur, there is a place for you. Companies can host corporate service days where teams build kits and create birthday cards together, organize toy and supply drives in their offices, or provide in-kind support through professional services, materials, or operational assets such as transportation solutions. Some partners choose to match employee donations, give monthly, or sponsor a program as a tax-deductible investment while gaining visibility across our growing social platforms.
At the heart of it, collaboration with Birthday Box Foundation is about showing up in a way that aligns with your values and capabilities. Whether that means opening doors to critical resources like a vehicle lease, lending your voice and network, or investing financially, every partnership helps ensure more children are celebrated, more families feel supported, and more communities come together around moments of joy and dignity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://birthdayboxfoundation.org
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/birthdayboxfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthdayboxfoundation?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-birthday-box-foundation
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@BirthdayBoxFoundation
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@birthdayboxfoundation?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
