Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Useful Documents

Where can I download the Baker Guidelines?

View the Baker Guidelines here or download the PDF from the Document Library.

Where can I download the Volunteer Expectations?

Visit the Document Library to view and download the Volunteer Expectations.

Where can I download the slides from the new volunteer orientation I attended?

Visit the Document Library to view and download the Volunteer Orientation Slides.

Where can I download the Allergy Baking Reference Guide?

Visit the Document Library to view and download the Allergy Baking Reference Guide.

Where can I download the Cake4Kids logo to put on the box?

Visit the Document Library to view and download the Cake4Kids logo.

Baking

Do I need to have a certified, inspected kitchen?

You don't need to have a certified, inspected kitchen -- all you need to do is follow Cake4Kids Baking Guidelines and Volunteer Expectations, and follow the latest food safety guidance from FoodSafety.gov: 4 Steps to Food Safety. The Baking Guidelines and Volunteer Expectations are available to download in the Document Library.

If you are baking a request that has an allergy restriction, you must also follow the Allergy Baking Reference Guide, available to download in the Document Library.

Do you have recommended recipes?

Yes! We have some tried and true recipes that we love. Find them on the Recipes and Tips page.

Can I buy a cake?

We ask all volunteers to bake the cake, cupcakes, bars, cookies, or brownies at home instead of purchasing a ready-made baked good. We want to make sure the youth feels as special as possible and believe that homemade treats are the way to do that.

Can I use cake mix?

Yes! You can use cake mix for your treats, although we prefer made-from-scratch treats for the most custom, homemade experience for the youth.

Can I include birthday candles with my cake?

Yes you can include new unused candles, but it is not required. Please do not provide a number candle as we do not put the child's age on the birthday cake.

Can I include a birthday card with my cake?

We appreciate your thoughtfulness but ask that you do not deliver a card with the cake, as we cannot guarantee the other children receiving agency services will receive a card on their special day. It's important to us that every child who receives a cake from Cake4Kids has the same experience, so please only deliver your wonderful baked goods.

Can I include a gift with my cake?

Although this is a kind gesture, we ask that you do not deliver a card or gifts with the cake, as we cannot guarantee the other children receiving agency services will receive gifts on their special day. It's important to us that every child who receives a cake from Cake4Kids has the same experience, so please only deliver your wonderful baked goods.

Cake Size / Quantity

What size cake should I make?

If the cake request does not specify what size cake to make, you can choose between the following sizes as a minimum requirement:
8" or 9" round cake -- at least 2 layers (feeds 10-12 people)
OR
9x13" rectangular cake -- at least 2 layers or at least 2" high before frosting

You are welcome to use shaped pans or 6", 8", or larger round cakes, too -- just make sure the amount of cake provided is equivalent to the amount requested.

If the request specifies a particular size or shape cake, please follow the request.

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or download the PDF from the Document Library.

How many cupcakes should I make?

2 dozen (24 total) cupcakes unless otherwise specified on the request.

Deliver cupcakes on a cake board, in a cake box, or in a cake box with cupcake inserts. You may also use plastic clamshell cupcake containers. See the Packaging section below for more helpful information about packaging your treats for delivery.

How many bars, cookies, or brownies should I make?

2 dozen (24 total) treats, unless otherwise specified on the request.

Deliver individual treats a cake board, in a cake box. See the Packaging section below for more helpful information about packaging your treats for delivery.

Flavors and Frosting

What cake frostings should I make?

For covering cakes, we recommend:

American Buttercream
Swiss Meringue Buttercream (be sure to heat your egg whites to 160°F degrees or use pasteurized eggs)
Italian Meringue Buttercream (be sure to heat your egg whites to 160°F degrees or use pasteurized eggs)
Fondant
Ready-to-whip non-dairy alternatives such as Pastry Pride, Frostin' Pride, or Rich’s Bettercreme

These work best for holding color, covering a cake well, and creating shapes and designs.

DO NOT make any frostings or fillings that require refrigeration, including cream cheese, fresh whipped cream, or custards. We have to be more conservative with our approach than what you might be comfortable with in your own home because we don’t know what will happen to the treats after they are delivered.

Generally, things with a lot of milk and egg yolks (even cooked), and any uncooked eggs are no-nos.

Examples of frostings and fillings that are NOT ALLOWED:

NO – Ermine frosting (aka boiled milk icing or flour frosting or cooked frosting)
NO – German Buttercream
NO – French Buttercream
NO – French Meringue Buttercream
NO – Whipped cream frosting
NO – Cream cheese frosting
NO – Bavarian cream filling
NO – Boston cream
NO – Custard
NO – Curd fillings (lemon, orange, etc.)

Visit Recipes and Tips page for recommended recipes. To learn about Pastry Pride and other ready-to-whip frostings, visit this page.

What cake fillings can I use?

An easy option is to use your frosting as filling -- American buttercream, Swiss Meringue Buttercream, and Italian Meringue Buttercream are great as fillings, too! You can even add some fruit when using the frosting as filling to add some more flavor. Another great option is fruit fillings!

DO NOT put creams, custards, or curds in any part of the cake, even fillings! Cake4Kids must be more conservative with our approach than what you might be comfortable with in your own home because we don’t know what will happen to the treats after they are delivered.

Examples of fillings that are NOT ALLOWED:

NO – Bavarian cream filling
NO – Boston cream
NO – Custard
NO – Curd fillings (lemon, orange, etc.)

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes! You can use store-bought frosting. You can also use ready-to-whip non-dairy alternatives such as Pastry Pride, Frostin' Pride, or Rich’s Bettercreme, which are already lightly sweetened.

To learn about Pastry Pride and other ready-to-whip frostings, visit this page.

Can I make cream cheese frosting?

Please do not use cream cheese in your baking for Cake4Kids. You can use buttercream frosting instead.

Only provide baked goods that DO NOT require refrigeration. We don't know if the cake will be presented to the youth right away or if the agency or youth's residence will have a refrigerator available, so please only deliver cakes and sweets that can sit out for up to 2 days.

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or download the PDF from the Document Library.

Can I make buttercream frosting?

Yes! Buttercream frosting is perfect for Cake4Kids treats. Although buttercream recipes include a lot of butter and some even call for a little cream, butter can safely sit out at room temperature for several days and the small amount of cream in buttercream is stabilized by the sugar, making it safe to sit out at room temperature.

Visit Recipes and Tips page for recommended recipes.

Can I make Swiss Meringue Buttercream frosting?

Yes! Swiss Meringue Buttercream frosting is perfect for Cake4Kids treats. Make sure to heat your egg whites to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visit Recipes and Tips page for recommended recipes.

Can I make Italian Meringue Buttercream frosting?

Yes! Italian Meringue Buttercream frosting is perfect for Cake4Kids treats. Make sure to heat your egg whites to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I use chocolate ganache?

Yes, provided it can sit out for 1-2 days without refrigeration. The shelf life of ganache depends on the ratio of heavy cream to chocolate used in the recipe. Here is a helpful post about the topic: The Shelf Life of Ganache. As long as you always make your ganache fresh and heat the cream, there should be no problem even if you don't add an invert syrup as the article suggests.

One of our Chapter Ambassadors who is a professional baker shared her recipe for hard chocolate ganache that doesn't use any cream! Visit the Recipes and Tips page to download it (under the Frosting, Icing, and Ganache section)

Can I use caramel?

Caramel is tricky -- it is generally shelf-stable and can usually be left out for a few days; however, the issue is that it's very hydroscopic. Caramel drippings on a cake do not last more than a few hours without weeping. One way to get around this is to add powdered sugar to the caramel. This creates more of a drippy icing that hardens. Our suggestion for caramel on the outside of the cake is to not bother!

Using caramel inside the cake is easier. There shouldn't be a problem because it's protected from the elements with the buttercream. However, a common mistake when adding caramel between cake layers is adding far too much, so when you go to cut the cake, the layers separate from each other and the caramel oozes out. If you want to add a layer of caramel, it's better if it directly touches the cake layers so that it gets partially absorbed into the cake. If you want a really strong caramel taste, just fold caramel sauce directly into the buttercream and use that as a filling, it's delicious!

What does “less sweet” frosting mean?

If the youth requested "less sweet" frosting, you can use a ready-to-whip non-dairy alternative (such as Pastry Pride, Frostin’ Pride, or Rich’s Bettercreme) that comes lightly sweetened already. It creates a whipped frosting that is similar to fresh whipped cream but is shelf stable after it's been whipped. It's similar to frostings you can find on cakes from Asian bakeries. Pastry Pride can be purchased at Smart & Final, Costco.com, and other online retailers.

To learn about Pastry Pride and other ready-to-whip frostings, visit this page.

How do I incorporate the requested Flavor?

The requested Flavor typically refers to the cake flavor. The frosting flavor is up to you unless the cake request specifies a frosting flavor.

Vanilla cake with vanilla frosting is usually a safe bet for "Vanilla" requests, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is usually a safe bet for "Chocolate" requests, and so on for all the flavor options.

Visit Recipes and Tips page for recommended recipes.

How do I incorporate the requested Flavor (Strawberry)?

If the requested Flavor is "Strawberry," this typically refers to the cake flavor. The frosting flavor is up to you unless the cake request specifies a frosting flavor. Sometimes, a youth will specifically request fresh strawberries in or on their cake. If so, please include fresh strawberries as requested. See Can I use fresh fruit on my cake? for ideas on how to use fresh strawberries.

If the cake doesn't provide specifics, you can incorporate the strawberry flavor in any number of ways:

Strawberry-flavored cake and topped with vanilla or strawberry frosting
Vanilla cake with strawberry filling and topped with vanilla or strawberry frosting
Vanilla cake topped with vanilla frosting, with fresh strawberries as filling or on top

Visit Recipes and Tips page for recommended recipes.

Can I use fresh fruit on my cake?

We've learned over the years that fresh fruit tends to bleed onto frosting and don't suggest using fruit on your cakes regularly. We recommend that you only include it when specifically requested by a youth - after all, we want to make sure each child gets their birthday wish!

Here are some tips for making sure the fruit juices don't ruin your wonderful cake design and frosting:

Add fruit to the top of the cake just before delivery. Make sure the fruit is very dry before you add it!
Use whole fruit on top of the cake, instead of cut fruit
Dip fruit in chocolate or candy
Place fresh fruit between the cake layers, surrounded by a layer of frosting to seal it in

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

What allergy and dietary restrictions does Cake4Kids accommodate?

Cake4Kids accommodates most common allergy dietary restrictions. You will be able to view allergy or dietary restrictions before you select a cake. It is absolutely essential that you are equipped to bake for the restriction(s) and ensure baked goods adhere to allergy guidelines. Cake4Kids offers two helpful resources regarding baking for requests with allergy restrictions:

Volunteer Expectations - provides the basic but essential requirements for volunteering as a baker with Cake4Kids, including safe food handling and requirements for baking for allergy requests
Allergy Baking Reference Guide - a detailed supplemental guide for baking with allergy restrictions, including foods and ingredients to watch out for, recommended substitutions, and tips for using substitutes

Download both documents from the Document Library.

What's the difference between Nut/Coconut-Free and Does Not Contain Nuts?

Nut/Coconut-Free means the child is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, coconuts, and/or sesame and requires that all ingredients must not have been processed in a facility that also processes any of these ingredients and that you take the appropriate steps to prevent cross-contact from any of those ingredients in your kitchen.

Does Not Contain Nuts is a precaution - please do not add peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, or sesame to the baked item. Typically, you will see this on requests for group celebrations or events.

Cake4Kids offers two helpful resources regarding baking for requests with allergy restrictions:

Volunteer Expectations - provides the basic but essential requirements for volunteering as a baker with Cake4Kids, including safe food handling and requirements for baking for allergy requests
Allergy Baking Reference Guide - a detailed supplemental guide for baking with allergy restrictions, including foods and ingredients to watch out for, recommended substitutions, and tips for using substitutes

Download both documents from the Document Library.

I signed up for a cake with a Food Allergy and I really want to make sure I'm doing it right. Can you help?

Cake4Kids offers two helpful resources regarding baking for requests with allergy restrictions:

Volunteer Expectations - provides the basic but essential requirements for volunteering as a baker with Cake4Kids, including safe food handling and requirements for baking for allergy requests
Allergy Baking Reference Guide - a detailed supplemental guide for baking with allergy restrictions, including foods and ingredients to watch out for, recommended substitutions, and tips for using substitutes

Download both documents from the Document Library.

Decorating

What do I write on a birthday cake?

Please write exactly what is specified in the "Message to write on treats" section of the cake request.

Remember to spell out the celebratory message fully -- no abbreviations unless specifically requested!

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or view the orientation slides in the Document Library.

What do I write on a graduation cake?

Please write exactly what is specified in the "Message to write on treats" section of the cake request.

Remember to spell out the celebratory message fully -- no abbreviations unless specifically requested!

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or view the orientation slides in the Document Library.

What do I write on an adoption cake?

Please write exactly what is specified in the "Message to write on treats" section of the cake request.

Remember to spell out the celebratory message fully -- no abbreviations unless specifically requested!

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or view the orientation slides in the Document Library.

What do I write for cupcakes, cookies, bars, or brownies?

Please follow the same guidelines as for cakes based on the occasion (birthday, graduation, adoption).

What do I write on a cake for a group birthday or group graduation?

Please write exactly what is specified in the "Message to write on treats" section of the cake request.

Typically, this will be either "Happy Birthday" for group birthdays or "Congratulations" for group graduations on your baked goods, but again, write exactly what is listed on the request. Remember to spell out the celebratory message fully -- no abbreviations unless specifically requested!

In some cases, it will say "None" or "N/A" or "No message" -- for these, you do not need to write anything on the treats.

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or view the orientation slides in the Document Library.

Do I need to write anything on my baked goods for an event (e.g., Summer BBQ, Back to School, Thanksgiving Party, Christmas Party)?

Please write exactly what is specified in the "Message to write on treats" section of the cake request. In some cases, it will say "None" or "N/A" or "No message" -- for these, you do not need to write anything on the treats.

How do I write the celebratory message on cupcakes, cookies, or brownies?

Check out our Decorating Ideas page for inspiration on how to write the celebratory message on individual treats like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and bars.

Be sure to write the message directly on the treats themselves or on a banner or toothpick toppers that can be inserted directly into the treats. DO NOT write on the cake board -- the sweets will more than likely be removed from the cake board before being served, so the celebratory message will get lost if it's written on the cake board.

Remember to spell out the celebratory message fully -- no abbreviations unless specifically requested!

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or view the orientation slides in the Document Library.

Can I write "Happy Birthday Jose" on the cake board for the youth's cake? My decorations are pretty elaborate and I don't have space on my cake to write it.

For cakes ONLY, you may write the celebratory message on the cake board.

For individual treats like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and bars, the message must be written directly on the treats or on banners or toppers that can be inserted directly into the sweets.

Remember to spell out the celebratory message fully -- no abbreviations unless specifically requested!

For more information, read the Baker Guidelines or view the orientation slides in the Document Library.

How do I decorate a theme on cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and other individual treats?

Check out our Decorating Ideas page for inspiration on how to decorate themes on individual treats like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and bars.

What does the theme "Baker's Choice" mean? Are there any requirements for this theme?

Please decorate with a festive theme appropriate for the age, gender of the youth, and occasion.

Do I have to decorate with fondant?

No, you are welcome to use buttercream, royal icing, or store-bought frosting to cover your cake. We have many talented volunteers with many different baking and decorating skill levels.

Can I use toys as decorations on my cake?

Although it's preferred to use food-safe decorations or decorations made specifically to use on cakes and cupcakes, you may use toys as decorations on your baked goods, as long as they are separated from the cake by a barrier layer. Barrier layers can be created using:

Fondant
Candy melts (dipping the base / feet of the toy in candy melts)
Rice paper
Sugar paper
Toothpicks, bamboo skewers, cake pop sticks, lollipop sticks
Straws

Do not use parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap as a barrier layer due to the risk that youth may not see those and accidentally ingest them.

Can I use edible images on my cake?

Yes! Edible images are a great way to incorporate the youth's theme and personalize the sweets. Check out the Baking Supplies, Classes, and Discounts page for suggestions on where to purchase these.

How can I write on the cake?

You can use frosting, fondant letters, or candy letters to spell out the message, or you can include the message on a banner or toppers, or any mix of these methods!

Please do not use decorating / icing gel -- the gel spreads and the coloring bleeds into frosting. We don't want it to ruin all of your hard work!

Here's an example of a cake where the gel has spread:

"Gel icing that has spread"

Packaging

How should I package my treats for delivery?

Please visit the Packaging Guidelines page for detailed guidelines.

Can I deliver cupcakes in a plastic clamshell cupcake container?

Yes, you can use plastic clamshell cupcake containers to deliver your cupcakes. Please visit the Packaging Guidelines page for detailed guidelines.

Can I deliver cookies or brownies on a plate wrapped in cellophane and a bow?

No. Deliver all treats, including cookies, brownies, and bars, on a cake board in a cake box. Please visit the Packaging Guidelines page for detailed guidelines.

Do I need to individually wrap cookies, bars, and brownies?

During the pandemic, some requests specify individual wrapping for treats. See the Guidelines: Individually-Wrapped Treats page for guidelines for individual wrapping.

If it is not specified, you do not need to package each treat separately. Follow instructions on the Packaging Guidelines page.

How do I package cookies that have been frosted?

Please visit the Packaging Guidelines page for full guidelines. Many bakers opt to lay the cookies flat on a 9x13” cake board and matching cake box. You could also use royal icing rather than buttercream to frost or decorate cookies, since royal icing hardens and is able to withstand being stacked.

Where can I get cake boxes?

Local baking supply stores and large chain craft stores like Michaels, JOANN, and Party City typically have cake boards and cake boxes. You can also purchase them online (Amazon has many options).

The Baking Supplies, Classes, and Discounts page lists local stores in some Cake4Kids areas where you can pick up baking supplies (and possibly get a Cake4Kids volunteer discount!).

My cupcake toppers are too tall and won’t fit into the box!

You can remove the toppers and deliver them with the cake box. We suggest putting them in a Ziploc bag or similar to keep them clean, and taping it to the box so it doesn't get separated. Don't forget to take a picture of the toppers and let us know in your delivery confirmation email that you included them!

My cake topper is too tall and won’t fit into the cake box!

If you don't have a tall cake box available or cannot purchase one in time for delivery, you can remove the toppers and deliver them with the cake box. We suggest putting them in a Ziploc bag or similar to keep them clean, and taping it to the box so it doesn't get separated. Don't forget to take a picture of the toppers and let us know in your delivery confirmation email how you included them!

I ran out of cake box stickers! Where can I get more?

You have a few options:

Option 1: Pick up more stickers in person at any of the locations listed in the Baker Portal and go to the "Sticker Request" tab

Option 2: Order more stickers to be mailed to you. Log into the Baker Portal and go to the "Sticker Request" tab

Option 3: In an emergency, you can print out a copy of the Cake4Kids logo and stick it to the top of your cake box. Download the Cake4Kids logo here

Signing Up to Bake

I forgot my Baker ID for the Baker Portal!

No worries! Your Baker ID was sent to you in an email called “Welcome to Cake4Kids” email after you attended orientation and passed the orientation quiz.

If you can’t find the email, send us a note at volcor@cake4kids.org from your registered email address and we'll help you out. You can also give us a call at (408) 752-2538 from Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm.

I accidentally signed up to bake a cake but I can't do it. How do I cancel?

No worries! It’s easy to accidentally click "Bake It" when you are looking at requests. You can cancel your sign-up by going to the "My Cakes" tab in the Baker Portal, click on "View Details" for the cake you need to cancel. A pop-up window will appear with the option to "Cancel Cake." Once you've cancelled, you will see a confirmation message that your cancellation was successful.

IMPORTANT! If the delivery date is within 3 days, please also call us at (408) 752-2538 to let us know. That way, we can get started right away looking for a new volunteer baker.

If you’re having trouble, give us a call at (408) 752-2538 or email us at cakedetail@cake4kids.org.

How do I cancel a cake?

You can cancel on the Baker Portal: go to "My Cakes" and then click on "View Details" for the cake you need to cancel. A pop-up window will appear with the option to "Cancel Cake." Once you've cancelled, you will see a confirmation message that your cancellation was successful.

IMPORTANT! If the delivery date is within 3 days, please also call us at (408) 752-2538 to let us know. That way, we can get started right away looking for a new volunteer baker.

Why do I see cakes for youth over 18 years old on the Baker Portal?

A number of years ago the state of California recognized that youth who are aging out of the system are not prepared for a successful independent life. Few of us with "typical" upbringings were prepared to be on our own at 18! Now think about teens who have endured the hardships that go with being in foster care or growing up homeless (for example, nearly 50% of foster kids end up on the street within 2 years of aging out of the system).

In an effort to better support at-risk youth, the state started creating programs that provide life skills training and other supportive resources to these older youth, commonly referred to as Transitional Age Youth or TAY, in order to set them up for successful independent living. Cake4Kids believes this is a positive change and wants to support them, too!

Delivering

Where do I deliver my cake?

The delivery address is provided in the cake request details on the Baker Portal and will also be sent to you via email once you sign up to bake. You can also view the delivery address, along with all the other cake request details after you have signed up, in the "My Cakes" tab on the Baker Portal.

Something came up and I can't deliver at the requested time! What do I do?

Please only sign up for requests that you know you can deliver. If something unexpected comes up after you have signed up, you have a few options:

Option 1: Have a friend, neighbor, family member, or another Cake4Kids volunteer deliver for you. Be sure to let the Cake4Kids team know in advance
a. If a friend, family member, or neighbor will deliver for you, please provide us with their full name, driver's license number, and auto insurance company and policy number to us via email at cakedetail@cake4kids.org
b. You can connect with fellow Cake4Kids volunteers in your county through our private Facebook community groups

Option 2: Cancel out of the cake request and release it back to the Baker Portal for another volunteer to sign up. If it's within 3 days of delivery, please also contact our Operations Team at 408.752.2538.

Where do I send my cake photo?

On the day of delivery, we will send you an email asking for confirmation of delivery and a photo of the cake. Please Reply All to that email and attach at least 1 photo of your cake along with a story about the cake, your experience, and any other details you'd like to share.

How do I Reply All and attach my cake photo on my iPhone to confirm I've delivered my cake?

It's really easy once you know how! Here is a visual step-by-step guide: How to Attach Photos with Reply All on iPhone.

Volunteer Guidelines

How old do volunteers need to be?

Teens must be 16 years or older and must sign up with a parent/guardian where the parent/guardian is the primary responsible volunteer. Both the parent and teen must attend orientation. Volunteers must be 18 to deliver a cake.

My 14-year-old niece loves baking! Can she help me with a cake request?

We love it when volunteers get the whole family involved in baking! When including younger family members in baking, they can help with choosing the design, mixing batter, and joining you for deliveries, but you do the baking and decorating since this is where the detailed work comes in and requires the most proficiency.

As the registered volunteer, you are ultimately responsible for the end product. The same applies if you want to bake with friends or family members who are adults but aren't registered Cake4Kids volunteers.

Will I get to hear how the youth liked my cake?

About 3 days after the delivery, we reach out to the caseworkers to ask for feedback for every cake. Typically we will receive feedback for only a fraction of the cakes delivered. As much as we would like to get feedback on every cake, not all caseworkers are able to provide us with the child's reaction or a personalized thank you. As you can imagine, caseworkers have tremendous caseloads and are not always able to find time to get back to us. We hope you will understand that it is not a reflection of how the cake was received or a lack of appreciation.

If we receive feedback, we will definitely share it with you!

Can I only bake in the county where I live? I work in a different county and it would be easier to deliver near my work.

You may deliver in any county where Cake4Kids has agency partners, and you may select as many counties ("baking regions") as you'd like to see cake requests for. You can change your selections at any time.

To set or update your baking regions, log into the Baker Portal, go to the "Baker Profile" tab, and then click "Update Information."

How do I get reimbursed for taking a decorating class?

Cake4Kids volunteers are eligible to receive up to $100 per year in reimbursement for taking decorating classes!

Visit the Baking Supplies, Classes, and Discounts page for more information about how to request a reimbursement.

I have a friend who wants to bake for Cake4Kids. How can they get involved?

Thanks for helping spread the word about Cake4Kids! Please have anyone interested in helping Cake4Kids send an email to volcor@cake4kids.org or fill out the Volunteer Sign-up Form on our website.

I really love Cake4Kids and want to help in more than just baking. What can I do to help?

We love having our volunteer bakers get more involved! Cake4Kids operates with only a small staff and countless volunteers, so we can always use your talents.

We have opportunities to help with:

Fundraising and Marketing
Social Media
Event Planning
Baker Meetups
Administrative Operations
Community Outreach and Agency Outreach

Send us an email at volcor@cake4kids.org and let us know how you'd like to help!

Social Media

Is Cake4Kids on social media?

Yes! You can follow Cake4Kids on:
Facebook: facebook.com/Cake4Kids
Twitter: twitter.com/cake4kids
Instagram: instagram.com/cake4kids
Pinterest: pinterest.com/cake4kids

Don't forget to join the private Facebook Group for your county, which is only open to registered Cake4Kids volunteers who live in your county. Search for "Cake4Kids" + Your County to find your group and send us a request to join!

Can I post my cake photos to social media?

Yes! We ❤ seeing pictures of the sweets you've delivered, but please be mindful of the children’s privacy -- DO NOT put the child's name or agency name in the post. Although the youth's name is on the cake in your photo, it is not searchable since it is part of the photo. Only typed comments are searchable.

Cake4Kids and you as a volunteer have an obligation to protect the privacy and safety of the children. We recommend posting something like "Just delivered a cake for @Cake4Kids" or "Just delivered a birthday cake for a foster youth #Cake4Kids!"

Don't forget to tag us! Our social media team will like and share as many posts as they can.

How do I post a photo on Instagram?

Step-by-step guide: How to Post Your Cake Photos on Instagram

How can I chat with my fellow bakers?

Join the private Cake4Kids Facebook community group for your county, where you can chat with your fellow bakers. This group is only open to registered Cake4Kids volunteers who live in your county. Search for "Cake4Kids" + Your County to find your group and send us a request to join!

We also host in-person baker meetups regularly -- look out for email announcements and Facebook invites, or check out our Events page for upcoming activities.