Volunteer bakers nationwide are generously donating their time and skills to provide birthday and graduation cakes for at-risk kids in foster care, shelters, and group homes.
Alison Bakewell, executive director of Cake4Kids, a national nonprofit, emphasizes that while decorating skills are important, volunteers don’t need to be professionals. They can simply use a box cake mix and canned frosting to bring smiles to these children.
According to Bakewell, many retirees find joy in volunteering for Cake4Kids, with one of their most dedicated bakers being 83 years old. The organization, founded in 2010, has delivered over 61,000 cakes through the efforts of more than 5,000 volunteers across 27 chapters in 20 states.
Participating social service agencies submit cake requests to Cake4Kids, and the children get to choose the flavor and theme they desire. The bakers, ranging from amateurs to retired pastry chefs, create the treats at home and deliver them to the agencies for distribution.
Sharing a heartwarming story, Bakewell recalls how a simple cupcake delivery made a huge impact on a child named Samantha, who had never experienced such personalized care before.
Another nonprofit, For Goodness Cakes, ensures that these underserved children feel celebrated on their birthdays, with over 30,000 cakes delivered to date by their dedicated volunteers.
Additionally, Icing Smiles provides custom celebration cakes for families dealing with critical illnesses, serving as a source of temporary joy during challenging times.
Ready to Bake?
If you have a knack for baking and want to make a difference in a child’s life, consider volunteering for these organizations. Remember to bake and deliver the cakes during weekdays, adhere to food safety guidelines, and honor your commitment to bring joy to these deserving kids.
If you’re passionate about baking and food, connect with others in the Senior Planet Community Foodie group for more inspiration.
Your Turn
If you have experience baking special cakes for loved ones, we’d love to hear about your proudest moments in the comments!
Kate Walter is a renowned author and writing coach, sharing her insights and experiences through various publications. She has found immense fulfillment in volunteering with Cake4Kids, bringing joy to numerous children through her baking skills.
Photos: (top) Courtesy of For Goodness Cakes; (insets) Courtesy of Cake4Kids
Photo of Kate Walter by Su Zen
