The Cole Project

Making connections with children & families in need --
one birthday party at a time!

Our Mission

Our mission is simply to build meaningful relationships with children in need through joyful celebrations of their birthdays.

We believe that the simple act of sharing time, love, and kindness can change lives, and that a more loving, caring, and joyful community impacts us all.

Our Inspiration

Cole Charles Weaver
(November 29, 2010 - November 5, 2017)

Cole was the son of Katie and Chris Weaver and brother of Ella of Winston-Salem, NC, and grandson of Mitch and Molly Beaver of Springfield. He had a big heart with a sweet, extraordinary, welcoming, and fearless spirit. He will continue to shine his light and celebrate birthdays with parties thrown in his honor for clients of Wooden It Be Lovely and Compass for Kids.

Our Story

The Cole Project was established on November 5, 2017, in memory of a very special boy named Cole.

With the help of volunteers, we currently host birthday parties for clients of Springfield agencies, Wooden It Be Lovely and Compass for Kids. We also serve as a resource for volunteer hosts of Safe Families for Children who may need help with birthday celebrations.

Our goal is to allow every child to feel special, loved, and valued.

For this reason, every child is involved in the planning of his or her special celebration. We provide the decorations, cake, games, and birthday gifts. Every child also receives a book with a "kindness" theme.

Want to Help?

In order to make our parties really special and to expand our outreach, the Team could use additional volunteer "party enthusiasts" as well as sponsors to cover part or all of the cost of one month's birthday party.

Donations can be made online, or checks can be sent to our mailing address: The Cole Project at Springfield First, 2941 S Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, IL 62711.

All donations should be tagged for The Cole Project.