Hempfield Grad Has a Voracious Appetite for Helping Others

The first time you click on Alex Gregory's website, https://bakingforbetter.com, a message appears asking if you will accept cookies.

That's fitting, but although the kinds of cookies Alex bakes won't be stored on your device, they will optimize your eating experience.

Alex, who owns and operates Baking for Better, sells tasty treats to raise money for charity. Since starting in 2020, her registered 501(c)(3) organization has generated a staggering amount for various charities. "It's pretty exciting knowing that this little thing I started that wouldn't go anywhere has now raised over $25,000," said Alex, who graduated from Hempfield High School on June 3. "I am so glad to be able to help that many people."

With the assistance of family, friends, and members of the community, Alex makes and sells her products at local events. Parent volunteers helped Alex prepare for her most recent event, the Landisville Elementary Fun Fest on May 16.

She finds the recipes online and adds a personal touch, usually involving the addition of pretzels or M&M's. A smart cookie, Alex focuses on making the treats she knows will sell the best: whoopie pies, brownies, Rice Krispie treats, and cookies. Depending on the location, she might also bake cakes or blondies. The Rice Krispie treats are Alex's favorite to make. "My favorite thing to eat, too," she said with a laugh.

Every penny of the proceeds goes to charities such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Rise to Win, "a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations," according to the group's website.

Alex developed her love of baking while helping her mom, Stacey, make birthday cakes for family members. Her desire to help others intensified when she read a book in school called "Free Lunch." "It made me think about all the kids that don't have the resources or financial help to be able to bring a packed lunch to school every day," she said.

Alex contacted the Hempfield Area Food Pantry, and she offered to donate baked goods. After being told that the food pantry was only able to accept prepackaged items, Alex came up with the idea to sell the culinary confections and donate the money directly to the pantry.

Other organizations to benefit from Baking for Better include Homes for Veterans and the Power Packs Project, a nonprofit that provides students in Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties with food for weekends.

While playing tennis and softball at Hempfield, as well as being a member of the Student Council and National Honor Society, Alex still found the time to make Baking for Better rise. "Baking is one of my favorite things to do," she said.

In the fall, she will attend Wake Forest University. Alex will major in political science on a pre-law track with a plan to become a lawyer like her parents, Bill and Stacey.

Alex hopes to form a baking club in college to continue her good works, while her siblings - brother Hutch, who will be a sophomore at Hempfield, and sister Camryn, who will enter eighth grade - take over Baking for Better.

Anyone wishing to make a donation or suggest a charity to benefit from a future bake sale can visit the website.

The organizations that benefit from Baking for Batter often send Alex a letter or email to thank her for the contribution. GiGi's Playhouse, a group that increases positive awareness of Down syndrome, mailed a handwritten card signed by people the group has helped. "It was really sweet," Alex said.

Her recipe for success is not a secret. "I've been very fortunate in my life, and I've seen people who have not been as fortunate," Alex said. "When I was growing up, my parents made me pay attention to things that I normally wouldn't have. They pushed me to help those in need."