In a world filled with opportunities to spread kindness, Cookies for Better has embraced the joy of giving back one cookie at a time. The student-led organization was founded in March 2024 by Gavin Ballard of Northview High School and Logan Dane of Southview High School for students to connect with one another while supporting local organizations.

The Southview High School Baking Club is the newest program to join Cookies for Better, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower and enable people of all ages and backgrounds to give back to their community through their shared love for baking.

On January 21, approximately 25 students met in Southview’s culinary room and baked 500 cookies to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio and Connecting Kids to Meals. “Cookies for Better is a combination of my passions for volunteering and baking and provides a way to bring volunteerism to the students,” explained Ballard.

The club meets weekly and is open to students in grades 9 through 12. Students also earn school volunteer hours for participating. “I was already interested in baking, and I thought it would be fun to bake with friends,” said sophomore Ellie Greenberg regarding why she joined.

The students began their baking adventure by making chocolate chip cookies and will have the opportunity to suggest and vote for other types of cookies to make at future baking events. Events will alternate between their school and the kitchen at Temple Shomer Emunim on Sylvania Avenue.

Cookies for Better originally began at Northview High School, but due to lack of space, the program was put on hold. According to Dane, a new Northview club is in the works.

During the organization’s inaugural year, cookies were donated to Sylvania Area Family Services, Food for Thought, Sylvania Police and Fire Departments, American Legion, Cherry St. Mission and the Jewish Federation’s food pantry. The club also sold cookies at the Sylvania Summer Market at Olander Park to raise funds to support its program and has plans to participate again this season. “We have a lot planned for 2026. It’s going to be a great year,” said Dane.

Monetary and ingredient donations to help support Cookies for Better are always appreciated. Items needed are bleached all-purpose flour, white sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, parchment paper and Dawn® dish spray. For more information, visit cookiesforbetter.org.