My name is Erin Rykken, and I am a local mom in Prior Lake initiating a program to provide birthday cake kits annually to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

I have confirmed with the schools that there are 207 students who would qualify to receive a birthday cake kit. The schools will help by handing the kits out the Friday before the students' birth week.

Each kit is designed to be easily assembled at home and will include:

* Cake mix

* A lemon-lime soda (to be used in place of oil and eggs if not available)

* Frosting

* Candles

* An aluminum pan with a lid

* A recipe detailing how to prepare the cake using the soda.

I am reaching out to request donations to help fund the creation of these initial 207 kits. I am not a registered non-profit organization; I am simply a community member dedicated to helping these families.

Any funds raised beyond the amount needed to service the 207 elementary students this year will be set aside for the following year's kits or used to expand the program to include middle school and/or high school students.

Thank you for considering supporting this effort to bring a small celebration to every student.