Cakes for Kids Welcomes Seniors & Special Groups
Volunteers Add Needy Adults, Elderly Citizens to Birthday Wish List
Apr 9, 2009
Toni Poulos and her bakers are heroes to a lot of kids. Free Cakes for Kids volunteers have been reaching out to children since 2007, baking and giving away free birthday cakes to kids and adolescents who live in challenging situations. The cakes are baked by moms, career women, and anyone who believes children are the Earth's greatest resource. But the caring hasn't stopped there. Toni and her staff decided there might be other groups and individuals facing difficult circumstances that could use a birthday cake celebration.
In an exclusive telephone interview with Suite101 on March 31, 2009, Toni Poulos shared the story of her nationwide organization, Free Cakes for Kids. In that same interview, the Trenton, GA mom explained how she and volunteers in other states are stepping up the program to make birthdays memorable for seniors and other special-needs groups.
Cakes for Kids Volunteers Bake Birthday Cakes for Seniors
Many elderly persons spend the last golden years of their lives in nursing homes. Some residents, unfortunately, have no family members living close by, and still others have been forgotten by family and friends. Toni Poulos and her coworkers decided that in addition to baking cakes for children, seniors should be celebrated, too. Taking Free Cakes for Kids one step further, chapter volunteers have started baking birthday cakes for seniors in nursing homes.
As part of a once-a-month group activity, Toni brings cake and decorating supplies to a local nursing facility. Residents watch and ask questions as she assembles a birthday cake that the whole crowd can enjoy afterward. But that's not all; seniors celebrating a birthday in that particular month get their very own personal single-serve cake to celebrate the special day they were born. A birthday cake is much more than a welcome surprise; remembering their special day shows caring and appreciation to seniors that have given so much throughout their entire lives.
Incarcerated Parents Get Help from Free Cakes for Kids
A letter from a mom in prison opened yet another door for Free Cakes for Kids. Incarcerated parents have children who may be living with relatives, placed in a foster care, or living in group homes. It's tough being away from a child when a birthday comes around, but now moms and dads can give something special to their kids through Toni and the Cakes for Kids program.
With the assistance of a caseworker or other designated authority, and with the child's guardian's permission, an incarcerated parent is allowed to place a cake order for his or her child. The parent gets to choose the cake design and the flavor. Cakes ordered by the absent parent are delivered to the child in the parent's name.
Toni explained the decision to help incarcerated parents by accepting cake orders for their children: "It is the belief of Free Cakes for Kids volunteers that children are not to blame for the misdeeds of the parent. A birthday cake strengthens the bond between the missing parent and child, and eases the strain of a difficult time."
Special Request Cakes
Chapter leader Mischelle Devine-Nunner oversees eleven bakers in her group that covers territory from Bellingham to Vancouver, WA. Mischelle's group has delivered cakes to foster families, women's shelters, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Free Cakes for Kids gives special consideration to persons who are mentally challenged, offering cakes at no charge, no matter what the age. Cake orders are accepted from private referrals, children and family agencies, support workers, and caregivers.
What's a "red-neck" baby shower without a teddy bear cake decked out in camo (camouflaged) frosting? A camo guitar cake is certain to make any kid look cool at his (or her) birthday party. Cupcake animals and designs are often requested by children who want to share their birthday with a class. Hannah Montana and High School Musical cakes are the current theme instant hits with many older kids. Race car cakes are another winner. The cake design is sometimes as unique as the event.
One Last Wish
When asked what she wishes for on her own birthday, Toni Poulos had a ready answer. She wishes to have her very own bake shop with a restaurant-size refrigerator and large-capacity oven. Baking each cake in her home oven takes considerable time, especially when a custom cake has multiple layers. She wants to sell baked goods in her dream store, and still bake cakes free of charge for the children and adults who need them.
Free Cakes for Kids started with a gift from the heart. In just a few short years Toni's efforts have grown to a national organization, making memories for thousands of children across the United States. In 2009 the love and caring crossed the ocean to England, where there are now four Cakes for Kids chapters. Visit the Free Cakes for Kids web site for more information on how to become a volunteer or how to make a donation. Free Cakes for Kids is not charity, but is a way to touch a life through the simple act of caring.
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