A birthday cake can be more than just a treat. Decorated in a favorite color or theme, they can bring extra excitement and joy to a child’s celebration, especially if extras are in short supply. That’s exactly what the nonprofit For Goodness Cakes (FGC) exists to do.
FGC provides personalized desserts for kids who are in foster care or facing other forms of adversity. The organization’s Buffalo chapter delivered cakes and cupcakes to 585 local children in 2025, created by an all-volunteer “Sprinkle Squad” of bakers and coordinators.
“All these kids in Buffalo—regardless of their path in life—get something special on their special day,” says Lauren Blarr, the local chapter’s volunteer steward. “Kids in foster care or at a shelter don’t always get to see their families on their birthdays. We’re able to give kids something that is theirs.”
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Partner agencies share kids’ preferences for flavors, colors, fillings and themes. FGC then posts the specifications and schedule to an online portal, where volunteers can take on the assignment. They purchase their own ingredients, bake cakes and decorate at home and drop them off to be passed along to the birthday boy or girl.
“I feel so connected to every child I bake for, even though we will never meet,” says Candace Alnaji, the Buffalo chapter’s logistics steward. “I love learning the themes and preferences each child has for their special request. Bringing those wishes to life through cake and frosting has been a truly heartwarming experience.”
Sometimes when I’m feeling a little bit low, I will go on the portal and I will find a cake that I really want to do,” adds Lauren, who also bakes for the organization. “And I’m able to put my stuff aside; I’m able to make a cake for a child that is already going through enough. I know this is going to bring them happiness! And it brings me happiness dropping it off.”
Baking expertise isn’t a requirement. “You don’t have to have any skill level at all,” says Bridget DeMeis, FGC Buffalo’s donor steward. “If all you can do is make a rectangular cake and put some frosting on it with a couple decorations, that is sufficient.”
Bridget is a self-taught baker and has partnered with a more experienced friend, Julia Merulla, for desserts with complicated designs. She enjoys the opportunity to hone her decorating skills and get creative.
“I’ve done two different ‘Lilo & Stitch’ cakes and a pink mermaid cake that was super fun,” she says.
A football-themed cupcake arrangement was another of Bridget’s favorites. It featured green frosting turf, sprinkles for spectators in the stands, and yellow chocolate goalposts.
“I just love the idea that this masterpiece that I’m putting a lot of love into is going to someone who otherwise may not have a birthday cake,” she says. “It brings me joy to bring someone else joy.”
“One thing I’ve learned while volunteering ... is that there are so many different ways to give and to support those in need,” adds Candace. “Kindness is a resource that never runs out.”
Get Involved
Hands on? Complete a brief online orientation. Bakers under 18 must have a parent or guardian to volunteer and provide supervision.
Hands off?
Make a monetary donation to support the organization.
Potential partner?
The Buffalo chapter currently partners with organizations all over Western New York. Local agencies interested in exploring a partnership can learn more here.
