June's Ministry of the Month: Cookies for Kids' Cancer

Mothers of small children may sometimes feel like there’s not much they can do to make a difference in their communities, but groups all over the country are raising money for childhood cancer research – one cookie at a time.

The Huntersville, North Carolina United Methodist Church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) adopted Cookies for Kids’ Cancer as its charity of the year for 2010-11. 

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit that raises money for childhood cancer research through local bake sales. New Jersey residents Larry and Gretchen Witt started the organization in December 2007, after their then-2-year-old son, Liam, was diagnosed with cancer. Liam died earlier this year.

“It is one of those charities that touches so many people,” said Huntersville resident Amber Jenkins, who coordinates bi-monthly speakers for the MOPS chapter. “It is something sweet and easy for us to do.”

Jenkins discovered Cookies through Davidson, NC residents J.D. and Melissa Gibbs, whose son, Taylor, is in remission from leukemia. The Gibbs inspired Jenkins to get involved with the charity, and she introduced the idea to her Mothers of Preschoolers chapter.

The women raised money for Cookies by selling apple cider at a Christmas parade and hosting bake sales throughout the year.

“We are all mothers, and we all have kids,” group volunteer Mariel Klauer, of Huntersville, said. “Our kids may not be affected, but we all know someone who is.”

Jenkins organized a final bake sale for the year on Saturday, May 28. The fundraiser was one of more than 700 sales that Cookies for Kids’ Cancer had challenged groups to host nationwide during May, in commemoration of what would have been Liam Witt’s seventh birthday.

“The sales are a way to help celebrate his life,” Jenkins said.

Want to help?
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national, 501(c)3 nonprofit that raises money for childhood cancer research. Anyone, anywhere can organize a bake sale The cookies don't have to be anything fancy. Are you a busy mom who can only provide slice and bake cookies? That's OK! Anything is allowed!

For more information, click here.

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*A version of this story first appeared in the June 2 issue of the Herald Weekly.