Lawanda Horn is one of many single mothers all over the U.S. who do not have a home. She and her four children live in Charlotte, North Carolina emergency housing.

The homeless population in Charlotte shot up 22 percent in 2009, and according to the National Center for Family Homelessness, one in fifty children in the U.S. have experienced homeless at one point in their lives.

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“You have to make sacrifices,” says Lawanda. One sacrifice often made is special attention given or money spent on a child’s birthday.

“My son’s birthday was coming up and I wanted it to be better than it was last year, and I didn’t have the money to buy a five dollar toy from the food line.” Lawanda says before breaking down in tears.

Lawanda’s experience was just the type of situation that inspired Amy Cervantes and her husband to start ‘Bright Blessings,’ an organization dedicated to giving homeless children birthdays, as well as providing families with vital supplies for infants.

This year ‘Bright Blessings’ will serve 4 counties in the greater Charlotte area, as well as 3,000 homeless children and babies this year.

“It’s your day, and we want to celebrate that day.” Says Amy, “You have a purpose, you’re here.”