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On a day when people typically expect to receive gifts, Jennifer Hubbard gives them. Instead of spending her birthday celebrating herself, she chooses to give back to the community by inviting Napa’s homeless to a barbecue in the park.

“I’m actually excited about my birthday now,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s not really about me – it’s about other people, which is a lot more gratifying.”

Her birthday was Wednesday, but her party was at Fuller Park on Saturday. She calls it “BBQ for the Hungry.”

People trickled in and out throughout the afternoon to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, fruit, potato chips and, of course, birthday cake. Many people hung around in the shade, lying on blankets, socializing with one another and wishing Hubbard a ‘happy birthday.’

Neva Upton was impressed and thankful. Upton and her family of three, including her 11-year-old daughter, have been homeless on and off for three years. They recently moved to the area expecting to move into their own place, but the plan fell through when they arrived a few weeks ago, so for now they are sleeping in their vehicle.

“Not very many people you know would do something like this, but it’s a good way to celebrate someone’s birthday,” Upton said.