Question 1

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

At the beginning of each month, you will receive a newsletter that includes delivery dates for the upcoming months and a form to sign up to drop off cakes. Visit the Volunteer page to learn more. 
Please Note: DO NOT SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER WITH AN MCPS EMAIL ADDRESS. You will not be able to receive the Newsletter with cake delivery information because MCPS blocks external emails.

Question 2

Can I receive SSL hours for donating cakes?

Accepted Answer

For MCPS students, you can receive SSL hours for baking and decorating cakes (not driving cakes). Students will earn two SSL hours for the first cake baked and one SSL hour for every cake baked after that (Ex. 3 cakes is 4 hours). No more than 8 SSL hours can be awarded to our volunteer bakers at each drop off date. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CAKES DONATED IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE MORE VOLUNTEERS.

1 cake (or 24 cupcakes) = 2 total SSL hours
2 cakes (or 48 cupcakes) = 3 total SSL hours
3 cakes (or 72 cupcakes) = 4 total SSL hours
4 cakes (or 96 cupcakes) = 5 total SSL hours
5 cakes (or 120 cupcakes) = 6 total SSL hours
6 cakes (or 144 cupcakes) = 7 total SSL hours
7 cakes (or 168 cupcakes) = 8 total SSL hours

Question 3

I am a beginner baker. Can I still volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all skill levels are welcome! The decoration/flavor/design of your cake(s) is up to you! You can make a cake from a cake mix or your favorite recipe. We prefer round and rectangular cakes that must be sealed in a cake tin/box.  ALL decorations MUST be edible.

Question 4

What is the BC4F newsletter?

Accepted Answer

The BC4F monthly newsletter provides the Google form to sign-up for cake deliveries, upcoming delivery dates, and organization updates. We encourage you to subscribe.

Question 5

Do I need to bake my cakes in a licensed kitchen?

Accepted Answer

BC4F Maryland is protected under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act meaning you can bake your cakes at home! As of right now, we do not bake cakes for children and seniors with food allergies. We ask that you do not put any nuts in/on your birthday cakes.

Question 6

Are there any specifications/requirements for decorating the cakes?

Accepted Answer

The decoration/flavor/design of your cake(s) is up to you! You can make a cake from a cake mix or your favorite recipe.  Please bring either rectangular or circle cakes  that are individually boxed in cake tins/boxes with the lids taped down.  ALL decorations MUST be edible. Round cakes must have multiple layers. Single layer 9" round cakes will not earn SSL hours. We do not accept pies or alternative baked goods.

Question 7

What is the time commitment to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

At the beginning of each month, you will receive the BC4F newsletter with the Google form to sign-up to donate cakes. You can become more involved by joining our executive board. Applications are released in May.

Question 8

Who runs/manages BC4F?

Accepted Answer

BC4F was founded by and run by students. BC4F has an officer and executive board team comprised of around 25 students. The organization is advised by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of BC4F’s past presidents and other adults.

Question 9

How will BC4F benefit from and use the money from my donation?

Accepted Answer

Donations are essential in maintaining BC4F’s operations, such as buying cake decorating supplies and cake containers. We appreciate all donations!

Question 10

How do the monthly deliveries work?

Accepted Answer

Every month, BC4F has a set delivery weekend. Volunteers drop off cakes at the BC4F president’s house over a two-hour timeframe. BC4F officers and executive board members then drive the cakes to charities.

Question 11

I have a question not answered here. Who should I contact?

Accepted Answer

Please fill out our Contact Form or email team@bc4f.org.

Question 12

What are the cake container requirements?

Accepted Answer

Please look at one of the files attached for information about the cake container requirements.

Birthday Cakes 4 Free