We’ve spent this year celebrating 175 years of First Pres Cranford — and now we’re going to take some of that celebration and pay it forward! Our Birthday Bash has a goal of creating 75 birthday kits for local families in need. Each kit will have everything needed to make a birthday feel special — cake and frosting, candles, party hats and a birthday card. From September 20 through October 11, there are two easy ways to help: Pick something up while you’re shopping: We’re collecting cake mix, frosting and cans of plain seltzer. Just drop your donations in the collection boxes at any of the church entrances. Shop from home: Our Amazon Wish List has the other supplies we need — candles, party hats, birthday cards and cake pans — and they can be shipped directly to the church. Then comes the fun part! On October 18 after worship, grab a coffee and head downstairs to Thomson Youth Center. There will be cupcakes and cold drinks, and everyone — kids, teens and adults — can help pack the supplies into 75 complete birthday kits. The finished kits will be shared with YWCA Union County, El Centro Hispanamericano and Family Promise, helping local families celebrate a birthday with cake, candles and a little extra joy. We’ve had 175 years worth celebrating. Let’s help 75 more families celebrate too.