Birthdays are a day of celebration - cake, presents, and parties with friends and family. For Gold Star Families, however, they can also be a reminder of heartache and the loss of a parent.

A Soldier's Child Foundation (ASC), was envisioned 2009 by Daryl Mackin, as he was sitting at his computer organizing a surprise 6th birthday party for his son. Mackin was caught up in the stress of planning when he remembered his neighbor, an enlisted Marine who recently died in combat

Staff Sgt. Marc Golczynski was killed in 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, leaving behind his young son, Christian.

“There are many children like Christian that will never receive another birthday gift from their father or mother because they gave their life while defending our freedoms. Likewise, the fallen soldier will never be able to give their child a surprise birthday party, a bicycle for their son, a necklace for their daughter, or financial assistance for their child's first car or pursuit of higher education,” Mackin said.

Since 2009, Mackin's foundation provides birthday parties and gifts for the children of active-duty service members who have died as a result of their service, injuries, or suicide.

The foundation currently has more than 3,000 Gold Star children across the U.S. enrolled in their program, and they spend approximately $30,000 each month on parties and gifts.

The ASC holds 14 different camps each year for children, including sports camps, arts and crafts, and an annual hunting trip.

“The camps are to really bring the kids together, so they know they are not alone, and…to show them this honor and value, that we value them,” Mackin said.

ASC also sponsors mentorship programs and partners with other non-profit organizations to provide college scholarships.

“It is our objective to communicate through ASC to the children left behind that the memory of their parent will not fade away. We want them to know that there are many Americans that are forever grateful for their parent's sacrifice.”

If you would like to make a donation to A Soldier's Child Foundation or sponsor a child, visitasoldierschild.org, or contact Daryl Mackin atdaryl@asoldierschild.org.

Editor's Note: The MOAA Scholarship Fund provides American Patriot scholarships to children of fallen or severely wounded service members pursuing their first undergraduate degree. For more information, visit www.moaa.org/education.

Katie Lathrop is the Digital Content Specialist at MOAA and the daughter of a currently serving Army Officer. Follow her on twitter @Katie.F.Lathrop.