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Birthday in a Box

Giving back with your kids in an easy and heartwarming way will brighten someone’s special day

Article by Beth Del Ville

Photography by Qiana Kelsch

Originally published in Leesburg Lifestyle

The elements

Collect your essentials and special decorations

Putting it together

Place each element in the baking pan, including directions, and cover with the lid

Time to deliver

Collect your birthday cake boxes together and drop it at your favorite food pantry

Looking for a fun, easy and creative way to help those in need celebrate their special day? Put together a Birthday in a Box! The main element is a birthday cake, and the best part is that no perishable items are needed; all you need is one can of lemon-lime soda to take the place of the oil, water and eggs.

And what is a birthday celebration without decorations? Get the kids to help decide what fun party decorations to include – think candles, banners, confetti, ribbon and more.

These are great to make in batches when items are on sale at the grocery store. Stock up and make someone’s day!

prep

Collect all materials. Makes one Birthday in a Box.

1 box of cake mix

1 jar of frosting

1 can of lemon-lime soda

1 disposable 9x13 aluminum baking pan with lid

Cardstock or heavy paper, for baking directions and note (printed or handwritten)

Party decorations of choice, including candles

step one:

Gather cake mix, jar of frosting, can of lemon-lime soda, aluminum baking pan with lid and party decorations. Carefully place each item in the bottom of the baking pan, ensuring everything fits snugly.

step two:

Print or handwrite the instructions on cardstock, letting the recipient know to replace the oil, eggs and water with the can of lemon-lime soda, following the directions on the back of the cake mix box. You can also include a birthday wish.

step three:

Once all the items are in the pan, secure the lid and tie the package with a ribbon for an added festive touch. Deliver to your favorite food pantry.