Souderton charity Liz’s Birthday Closet brings birthday joy to children in need

When Sina Cristinzio stumbled upon a Toys for Tots box in Doylestown, soliciting donations of Christmas toys for children, she had an epiphany.

“So for Christmas, we all come along and help a child in need, but what happens for his or her birthday?” asked Cristinzio. “That child cannot be forgotten, and right then, I said, ‘We’re gonna do something about that.’”

Cristinzio had felt compelled to make a difference in the community since the passing of her daughter, Elizabeth Cristinzio, in 2009.

“She was super generous. When she passed away, I was lost. I felt such an emptiness,” said Cristinzio. “I said I wanted to do something, but I never knew what that mission would be. That Toys for Tots box that I saw just happened to be the right time.”

In April 2023, Cristinzio launched Liz’s Birthday Closet, a Souderton-based all-volunteer charity aimed at bringing birthday joy to local children in need, with free gifts, a birthday kit and all the essentials of a birthday celebration.

Located in an 800-square-foot building adjacent to the Souderton Calvary Church, the cozy closet is jammed with hundreds of brand new gifts, including toys, games, books, bicycles, clothes, art supplies, beauty accessories and more.

“We don’t want used toys,” said Cristinzio. “I think, ‘It’s not the toy; it’s the box. It’s the excitement of opening it up to see what’s inside.’ So we only ask for new toys.”

    Hundreds of brand new gifts crowd Liz’s Birthday Closet, including toys, games, books, clothes and more.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

Families are referred to Liz’s Birthday Closet from local non-profit organizations, and parents/guardians visit on an appointment-only basis for privacy purposes. Visitors receive 50 points to spend, with each toy being awarded a point value.

“The moms are so grateful about what they’re getting, to be able to say, ‘These are from me,’” said Cristinzio. “It’s a small but powerful thing.”

In addition to gifts, families are provided a free birthday kit, complete with cake mix, frosting, candles, party decorations and plates. The closet also offers a range of essential items, including toiletries, school supplies, coats, towels, socks and underwear. All items are either purchased or donated.

    In addition to gifts, Liz’s Birthday Closet’s “Wall of Grace” provides families with basic essentials, such as blankets, towels, coats, toiletries and more.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

Fashion Show fundraiser

While originally hoping to serve one or two children per month, Liz’s Birthday Closet wound up serving over 50 children within three months. With little name recognition, the nascent charity began struggling to meet the growing need.

Within a few months, Liz’s Birthday Closet opened a bridal shop in the Montgomery Mall to raise funds. Located on the second floor of the Montgomery Mall, the shop primarily sells discounted sample gowns donated from bridal shops and designers. While some dresses are priced at over $7,000, the shop’s prices range from $100 to $600.

“A lot of people who come in never thought they could afford a gown, and now they can,” said Cristinzio, adding, “90% of our dresses are brand new, and a lot of these gowns end up in landfills. So we’re trying to connect with bridal stores to give us their gowns."

    Liz’s Birthday Closet’s Montgomery Mall bridal shop offers heavily discounted sample gowns, with all proceeds benefiting the charity.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

In an effort to raise additional funds, Liz’s Birthday Closet will hold “A Dress with a Purpose” Bridal and Gown Show on March 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located on the upper level of the Montgomery Mall, the fashion show will feature volunteers modeling a selection of brand new wedding dresses, prom gowns and formal attire.

During the show, guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase the gowns at heavily discounted prices, ranging from $100 to $300. The event will also include over 20 business vendors, music and dance performances and other entertainment. Individuals can purchase free standing tickets or $25 VIP tickets online. All proceeds benefit Liz’s Birthday Closet.

    Liz’s Birthday Closet’s “A Dress with a Purpose” Bridal and Gown show will give guests the opportunity to view and purchase brand sample new wedding and prom gowns at heavily discounted prices. (Credit: Laura Mazurek)
  

Future goals

As Liz’s Birthday Closet approaches its second anniversary, its growth continues unabated. It served over 200 children last year, more than double the previous year, with applications continuing to pour in.

As the charity grows, Cristinzio hopes to hold additional fundraisers to eventually purchase a bigger building. The Calvary Church, of which Cristinzio is a congregant, lends the current building to the organization at no cost.

“We’d love to be able to do more, but our building is too small,” said Cristinzio. “We are hopeful that by the end of this year, early next year, we will be in a 5000-square-foot building, That’s our goal.”

    Founder Sina Cristinzio hopes to eventually relocate to a bigger space to accommodate the charity’s rapid growth.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

But regardless of any funding or space limitations, Cristinzio is determined to continue the charitable legacy of her daughter by ensuring that every child has a special birthday, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

“I feel that a child’s birthday is the most important day of their life,” said Cristinzio. “This was a mission that was started for a purpose, and I really think this will go on for a long time.”

Liz’s Birthday Closet will hold an open house on April 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit lizsbirthdaycloset.org.

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