The Baking Squad-- Kids that Make a Difference Through Baking

In December 2011, five sixth graders from Clearview Elementary (Marissa, Emily, Emma, Jessica and Juliana) formed "The Baking Squad".  Their plan was simple:  bake cookies and other treats for local homeless shelters, as a way of helping those less fortunate in the area.  On their first baking day, the girls made and donated 26 dozen homemade, nut free cookies to the Embry Rucker Homeless Shelter in Reston. 

The girls decided early on that they wanted to make different kinds of cookies (not just chocolate chip and sugar) and spend hours looking though cookbooks to decide what to make.  The girls do all the planning and organizing, usually after school or on the weekend, and spend one whole day baking, labeling and packaging their creations.  All cookies are baked from scratch and are nut free.  The girls decide what to make and how much, but usually make between 20-25 dozen cookies each time they meet.  All of their parents are very proud of their dedication to this project.

Fast forward several months later, and the girls are still baking.  They will all be seventh graders this fall and they love this project. The Baking Squad currently bakes for three different local shelters, and has donated over 225 dozen cookies to date.  The girls were even recognized for their efforts at the Shelter House Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards event in June of this year.  The Baking Squad is very excited to be having their first ever BAKE SALE at McLean Hardware (1445 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA) on August 4, from 10-2, to sell their delicious cookies and baked goods to raise funds (and awareness) to purchase more supplies for this project.   If you have a sweet tooth and want to support a great cause, this is the place for you.  If you want to help, but are watching calories, donations will be gratefully accepted.