To give back to the community with small acts of kindness, the Holiday Baking Club meets every month to make gifts to donate to hospitals and organizations like the Keystone Opportunity Center.
The club was started in 2022 by President Dominic Szalai’s sister, Brianna.
It was started with the goal to give back to the community by donating baked goods that they would make for different holidays.
Advisor Allyson Fitzpatrick said that she has supported this club for three years.
“I already advised another club, so I really wasn’t looking to take another one on, but I really liked what they were doing,” Fitzpatrick said. “I liked the idea of it, the giving aspect of it, so I agreed.”
Fitzpatrick said that meetings are “lots of fun, [and include] lots of laughter.”
During meetings, students usually break into groups to complete a planned activity, like baking treats or making cards, with the help of the officers. Once they finish, they package their baked goods so that the officers can bring them to the donation center.
Vice President Nate Bucher said that this club shows students how volunteering can be simple and fun, but still impactful.
“Every time I have to deliver the stuff that we make, I take it to the Keystone Center, which, especially now, I think, any donation is important,” Bucher said.
Szalai said that it is important to donate back to the community and help people in need.
“I definitely want them to see, to get inspired by donating,” Szalai said. “I think it’s very important to give back to your local community.”
This club also allows students to connect with each other while they are baking.
Officer Tori Puente said that club members are constantly collaborating to get tasks done.
“They all collaborate, work together, and get the baking part done,” Puente said.
Bucher said that working together in these kitchens can encourage conversations and friendships.
“Just being in a kitchen with somebody and having to work together on certain stuff,” Bucher said,” you definitely have some conversations that you wouldn’t normally have.”
Besides baking, this club teaches many valuable skills like leadership, teamwork and more.
According to Fitzpatrick, she has watched the officers grow as leaders.
“They’ll often organize and bring in the materials and tell the kids what to do,” Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick also believes that this club can teach important life lessons.
“I think just knowing that a little bit of time can make a big difference [is a powerful lesson,]” Fitzpatrick said.
Looking ahead, the Holiday Club hopes to expand its donations and extend its support to help even more people in the community.