“Eat Your Cake Too” Brings Birthday Joy to Linton Kids in Need

LINTON — For many children, birthdays are filled with cake, gifts, and celebration, but for families struggling with hardship, that special day can quietly pass by. A local nonprofit, Eat Your Cake Too, is changing that, one birthday box at a time.

Founded right here in Linton, Eat Your Cake Too believes that every child deserves to celebrate their birthday, no matter their circumstances. The organization provides free customized birthday boxes for local families experiencing hardship, foster children, and any child who might otherwise miss out on a celebration.

Each box is carefully crafted with thought and care, including a big gift, small gift, a game or craft, candles, decorations, a cake, serveware, and, as the group lovingly puts it, “a little bit of magic and a lot of love.”

Interview With The Founder

On how the idea began:
“Last spring there was talk that EBT users might not be allowed to buy bakery goods anymore. It made me think about how schools don’t allow homemade treats, and how kids in EBT-dependent families wouldn’t really get to bring anything to share. Then I started wondering how low-income households handle birthdays at all. There are programs for Christmas and school supplies, but nothing for birthdays — and that’s when it clicked.”

On who can receive help:
“Any family can apply. We don’t do income verification. If they live in a covered area and are facing any kind of hardship that puts a strain on their family, they qualify — and if we have the funds, we help.”

On how the nonprofit is supported:
“Most of our supplies and donations come from the communities we serve. We’re a registered Indiana nonprofit, and we’re currently pending for tax-exempt status. Once that comes through, we’ll be able to apply for grants, which will open even more doors.”

On the impact on families:
“We’ve had so much positive feedback. I love when families send photos of their kids smiling with their cakes. We’ve heard from several families that their child has never had their own birthday cake before. It breaks my heart, but it’s also amazing to be part of their first real celebration.”

On Linton’s involvement:
“Linton has shown up in such a big way. Since July 2025, we’ve served about 50 kids in Linton alone. The schools even added a note about us in their newsletter. And we’ve had incredible financial support, especially from Linton First Christian Church, who covered about 13 birthday boxes in one donation.”

On how the public can help:
“Sharing our posts helps so much. We want people to know who we are and what areas we serve. We accept donations through PayPal, Venmo, and other online options — and every dollar donated in an area stays in that area. We don’t have volunteer roles right now because everything ships to my house and I sort and deliver it myself, but we hope to host in-person fundraisers in the future. People can also organize toy drives or party-supply drives if they want to get involved.”

The nonprofit serves children ages 1 through 18, and even disabled adult dependents, ensuring that no one is left out of the simple joy of being celebrated.

Local families can easily apply for a birthday box online or by scanning the QR code on the organization’s flyers. Volunteers assemble and deliver the boxes around Greene County, bringing smiles — and frosting — to homes across the area.

The group runs entirely on donations and volunteer support, and residents can help by contributing through their website or signing up to lend a hand at the Linton-based lodge.

🎂 To learn more, donate, or request a birthday box, visit eatyourcaketoo.org.