Owen’s Birthday Project: A Book & Blanket Drive

On February 23rd every year, our family and friends celebrate the birth of a boy.

A son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin, a nephew, a friend, a boy they long to know and will always love.

On February 23rd, we celebrate life. We celebrate joy and hope. We celebrate this precious boy who we were so privileged to spend 43 days with here on earth.

What Is The Birthday Project?

Owen’s Birthday Project is a simple way to bless other babies and children who are in the Cardiac ICU, NICU, or PICU. Owen spent his life in the CICU at Egleston Children’s Hospital after he was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect just a few hours after birth. Two of his favorite things were blankets and books. Each year instead of throwing him a birthday party, his family and friends donate books and blankets to gift to children and families in similar situations. As former parents of a child in the CICU, we know how meaningful acts of kindness are, especially from strangers. It is our hope that these gifts brighten their day.

How Does The Birthday Project Work?

We collect new and gently used blankets and books to wash, sort, and package in a beautiful way with a note of encouragement. We then deliver to the hospital for the nurses to give to families throughout the year.

How Can I Help?

Donate. We will collect new or gently used children’s blankets and books.  Email bookandblanketdrive[at]gmail.com for the address to ship items. If you need ideas, there is an Amazon Wishlist just to help you get started! If you are local to Charlotte, there are several drop off locations. Email for more information. Donations need to be made by February 18th in order to go toward this year’s drive.

Give. If you would like to donate funds to this project, your generosity would be greatly appreciated. A paypal account has been set up for this project. You can click the link below.

Pray. Pray for the families who will receive these gifts. Pray for comfort and peace in the midst of their tragedy. This is not a club anyone wants to belong to. Pray for healing for the babies and children who will receive the gifts.