Hempfield High School junior Alexandra Gregory has had a passion for baking her whole life. In 2021, Gregory decided to use her culinary talents to give back to the community by donating baked goods to the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. Although the nonprofit organization appreciated Gregory's willingness to help, it is only able to accept monetary donations. So Gregory set up her first bake sale to raise money for the food bank. Shortly after, the young baker began to whip up her own nonprofit organization to further her goal.

As the founder of Baking for Better, Gregory makes pastries and treats with the help of volunteers, and she sells them at various community events. Gregory donates all of her proceeds to different nonprofits located throughout the country. Baking for Better has raised more than $11,000 to date, and Gregory has donated to organizations such as Make-A-Wish, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Rise to Win, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Direct Relief and GiGi's Playhouse.

"I thought 'Why not help more than one organization?'" Gregory said. "I've always loved to bake, and I realized I could use it to help more people."

Gregory said she primarily supports nonprofits that are centered around children and diversity. "I went to a Make-A-Wish production and heard some of the kids' stories. It really moved me," Gregory said.

Gregory also tries to pick charities that are relevant to the time and place of each bake sale. Baking for Better's next sale will take place on Sunday, Feb. 25, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster. The sale will benefit Project Mexico, an organization that supports orphans and builds homes in Mexican communities.

Gregory is often assisted by her friends, but she is always looking for volunteers to help her bake items and set up her stand at events. To get involved as a volunteer, email Gregory at alex@bakingforbetter.com. Those who would like to support Baking for Better but are unable to volunteer may donate via @BakingForBetter on Venmo.

By the time Gregory graduates from high school, she hopes to raise a total of $20,000 through Baking for Better. After graduation, Gregory hopes to expand her reach by creating a Baking for Better club in college.