More than gifts: What I have learned at Liz’s Birthday Closet.
During my internship at Liz’s Birthday Closet in Sellersville, PA, I discovered how a simple gift can bring joy, dignity, and connection to families in need. Here’s what I learned about compassion, teamwork, and finding purpose through service.
During my internship at Liz’s Birthday Closet in Sellersville, PA, I discovered how a simple gift can bring joy, dignity, and connection to families in need. Here’s what I learned about compassion, teamwork, and finding purpose through service.
When I first began my internship at Liz’s Birthday Closet, a nonprofit organization that provides birthday gifts and essentials to children and families facing financial hardship, I expected to learn about nonprofit management and advertising. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would impact my understanding of community. Every week I’ve been watching the power of small acts of kindness come to life – volunteers organizing donated toys, families expressing gratitude, and community members stopping by just to drop off toys or cards. I quickly realized that Liz’s Birthday Closet is more than just a charity, it’s a network of hope stitched together by local generosity.
This internship taught me that even the most logistical work, like inventory tracking, donation drop-offs, or writing thank-you notes, contributes to something much larger. I learned how vital communication and organization are in nonprofit work, and how empathy needs to be at the center of every task.
Was this experience everything I thought it would be? Honestly, it was more. I expected to help, but I didn’t expect to feel so connected to the mission. Some advice I have for future interns is to be proactive, there’s always something to do and every task matters. Also be open, you may be uncomfortable when starting something new, but the journey is worth it.
