Arizona Helping Hands makes birthday wishes for foster kids come true

The old expression goes "Many Hands Make Light Work," but at Arizona Helping Hands, their work is always pretty heavy.

"To think that there's children right here in our community... is so sad," Dan Shufelt said.

The Valley non-profit provides basic needs to the estimated 16,000 foster children in Arizona, but they also get to make birthday wishes come true, and in many cases, for the first time.

"It's such a great feeling for us to know that with the community support that we receive," Shufelt said. "Happy birthday, we care!"

From presents and hand-written cards to the cake and icing on top, Arizona Helping Hands granted 829 birthdays so far this year.

They also partnered with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, and it helps more than just the kids.

"Our hotline receives about five, six, 700 phone calls a day of child abuse... and those are tense situations," Greg McKay said.

By allowing a DCS worker to deliver a birthday box filled with goodies is sure to put a smile on any child's face. It also narrows the gap between a child in need and a helping hand.

"This is an opportunity to know what we are doing... to help people," McKay said.